THE ‘poor quality’ ‘Welcome to Evesham’ signs installed last month which cost council chiefs £23,000 are already set to be replaced.
The roll out of the eight boundary signs last month attracted attention for all the wrong reasons when soon after they were installed it became clear the signs were too small and the images printed on them were too dark.
As the Observer reported in July last year, Evesham Town Council approved the images of iconic buildings and views in the town which will feature on the new brown plate welcome signs on Green Hill, Offenham Road, Broadway Road, Cheltenham Road, Pershore Road and Worcester Road.
The Bell Tower, Abbey Park, the River Avon, the Almonry Museum, Church House and Abbot Chryton’s archway are set to appear on the signs in a bid to promote the town’s history.
It was part of a major overhaul of road signs in the town following a review by tourism chiefs at Worcestershire County Council.
The cost of the six welcome signs and 17 road signs has cost council chiefs £23,000 – with the cost split between Evesham Town, Wychavon District and Worcestershire County Councils.
They were only installed last month, but already they have been taken down and will be replaced.
Council chiefs have said they will be receiving a partial refund from the manufacturer and will not have to pay any further labour costs as a result of the issues with the six welcome signs.
A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said: “The manufacturers are producing a sample sign this week, using a different method of production and slightly larger size.
“If approved, we hope to have the new versions installed shortly.”
