WELL known local quarrying company Forest of Dean Stone Firms has made a special appeal to parents to warn youngsters of the dangers of straying close to quarries now that the woods have reopened.
The plea follows the second disappearance of all of the warning signs from the company's Barn Hill Quarry near Coleford.
The danger signs were replaced earlier this week but by Tuesday morning they had all been ripped down and thrown away.
"We want to stress that there is real danger at quarry workings. This is the second time the signs have been destroyed and we are concerned someone will be seriously hurt," said a spokesperson.
The working quarry is close to the council reclamation centre and has attracted mountain bike enthusiasts who see the quarry as ideal for off-road challenges.
Though the quarry is fenced, padlocks have been broken to gain entry and the quarry floor has been used by young car racers. A quantity of stone has also been stolen.
Quarry staff are now stepping up security at Barn Hill and following advice from the police the company is considering installing CCTV equipment.
"We would like people to know we take the security and safety measures there very seriously but we are hitting our heads against a wall if every time we put up warning signs they are immediately ripped down. It is pointless vandalism and could end in someone being seriously injured," said the spokesperson.