HIGHWAYS chiefs have unveiled six new ‘Welcome to Evesham’ signs to replace the original dozen which were removed in October because of their poor quality.
The original signs, which cost £23,000, attracted attention for all the wrong reasons when 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 was split between Evesham Town, Wychavon District and Worcestershire County Councils.
Council chiefs said they will be received a partial refund from the manufacturer and would not have to pay any further labour costs as a result of the issues with the six welcome signs.
As well as the three local councils, Coun John Smith, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, has allocated £2,000 from his divisional budget towards the costs of the signs.
One of the signs has been installed in Hampton, where Coun Smith has lived all of his life.
“These signs will help both locals and tourists access all that Evesham has to offer, whilst promoting all the attractions and places to visit,” he said.
“They will also benefit those who are new to the town, putting Evesham on the map whilst also helping them to understand their eventual destination.”
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