LAST year's foot-and-mouth crisis may have led to a staggering boom in the deer population.

Closure of large parts of the countryside to the public and warm weather are thought to have combined to lead to an undisturbed breeding season and an increase in the number of deer.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council leader David Walsh is now calling for roadside warning signs.

It is something he is particularly concerned about after the taxi he was travelling in had to swerve to miss one of the creatures on a road in the Eston Hills on Teesside.

Coun Walsh had his close encounter at Flatts Lane, near Guisborough.

He said: "I think warmer weather and the closure of parts of the countryside during the foot-and-mouth emergency has meant that deer have been able to breed more successfully.

"Whilst they tend to keep clear of humans, they do roam and that means often often crossing a number of country roads and lanes."

He added: "A fully grown deer is a large animal and I guess a collision could cause injury and damage to a car and its occupants - as well as the death of the deer. I understand that this could be particular problem in the early dawn or at dusk when deer are retreating back into tree cover."

There are already deer warning signs around the Wilton Lane and A174 area. The politician says it may now be necessary to erect similar signs on Flatts Lane, Grinkle Lane and Kilton Lane.

He is inviting residents with their local knowledge to send in suggested locations for signs where deer could be crossing the countryside.