ARCHIVED news story
Councillor calls for brown signs boost to business and tourism
Released on 07 October 2009
The evidence is growing that some modest signage would be a great way of bringing extra footfall to our struggling pubs, and hopefully ensures they not only stay in business, but flourish
Councillor Keith Weeks
South Norfolk pubs desperately need more brown signs to boost their business and local tourism.
That’s the message of South Norfolk Council’s Rural Pubs Task Group chairman Councillor Keith Weeks. His message has been endorsed by the district council’s own Signage Task and Finish Group.
He said:
“Many of our rural pubs are off the beaten track, and visitors need help in finding them.
“Recent work by us on behalf of our pubs has again highlighted their need for what is, at the end of the day, a simple way to promote the best we have to offer, whilst assisting with traffic movement. Brown signs are the answer.”
He stressed that there is no need for a "forest" of new signs. The most likely number is about 30 spread across the whole of South Norfolk.
This could include such a destination as the Tibenham Glider Club, which although tucked away on minor roads, will in 2010 host the World Vintage Gliding Championships.
He said:
“The evidence is growing that some modest signage would be a great way of bringing extra footfall to our struggling pubs, and hopefully ensure they not only stay in business, but flourish.
“In South Norfolk, and in other districts, councillors have for many years worked to win a more open and helpful approach to applicants for brown signs. With the current difficult times it is essential that we make prompt progress.”
Councillor Weeks also pointed up concerns about the £250 initial, non-refundable fee required from applicants, and suggested that its review should be a matter of urgency.
His comments come during South Norfolk Council's current review of its policy on brown signs, and other advertising signs. It is hoped that there will be a positive development in time for next year’s influx of visitors.
The South Norfolk Council campaign for rural pubs has taken the issue from a summit meeting with publicans at its headquarters in Long Stratton to the meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group at the House of Commons; and most recently the hugely successful Community Pub of the Year Award.
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| contact officer/team: | Communications Team |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | communicationsteam@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
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