THE county council has shown its appreciation for key workers by sharing a unique message of thanks and support.

Hampshire Highways staff have been busy painting special messages on roads outside hospitals and care homes across the county.

That includes Andover War Memorial Hospital, where a road workers have painted the words ‘thank you NHS and care workers’ on Charlton Road.

Similar signs have appeared in Winchester, on the approach to the hospital on Romsey Road, and also near the hospital in Basingstoke.

The county council says it has painted these message to thank frontline staff for all that they are doing and remind them how much their efforts are appreciated.

A message shared via the county council’s Facebook page read: “A special sign of appreciation for all of the NHS and care workers as Hampshire Highways paint these messages on the approach to hospitals and care homes in Hampshire to thank them for all they are doing on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus #thankyoucareworkers #thankyouNHS.

“It's another way of giving staff a daily reminder as they travel to and from work of how grateful we all are for their dedication and commitment.

“Thank you to all of the key workers working hard to keep us all safe and keep services running.”

Leader of the borough council, councillor Phil North also took to social media to comment on the gesture.

He said: “Thank you to Hampshire County Council for this lovely gesture outside the Andover War Memorial Hospital.

“It’s great to see that they’re also using this time, with less traffic on the roads, to carry out vital repairs too.”

Residents have also praised the move, with Sharon Collings writing: “That’s the loveliest thing I’ve seen Hampshire [County Council] do. If that doesn’t warm the soul then nothing will.”

While Carol Holt added: “Brilliant - fab Highways departments doing this. What a wonderful way of saying thank you from us.”

Others were less favourable, however.

Steve Clark wrote: “I appreciate the sentiment but how much is that costing?”

And Ryan Hetherington added: “Absolute waste of money. Look at the state of the road markings literally two foot to the right! You couldn't make this up, a super gesture but a total waste of money and resources... for me personally.”