Traders finally get new sign (From Free Press Series)

Traders finally get new sign

A NEW banner placed near Tesco heralds the fact that there is more to Pontypool than a supermarket and points them to the town centre, writes Sam Muftuoglu.

The erection of the sign just off the A4043 near the supermarket initially stirred controversy when traders eager to ensure the town centre shared the lime light with the supermarket giant, were told to take their own banner down.

Back in June last year traders took matters into their own hands and paid for and erected a banner on the ramp down to the Tesco car park. Alan Bailey of the Pontypool Retail Free-holders' group, along with fellow businessman Robert Everett, wanted to make sure the 27 businesses in the town centre were represented from the road into Pontypool.

However they received a letter from the council threatening them with fines of £2,500, claiming the sign contravened the Highways Act 1980.

At the time a council spokesman said the fence on which the banner was erected was part of the public highway and that "safety had to be our first concern."

The council said that they were looking at ways of providing appropriate signage that would not cause a traffic hazard.

Six months later Torfaen council have erected the sign, welcoming shoppers to Pontypool and directing them to the indoor market and high street shops and cafes.

A council spokesman said: "We consulted with Highways to make sure the sign would not be a distraction for motorists and with Highways Maintenance, who are responsible for the way these signs are fixed, on how it would be fixed to the bridge."

Planning and traders from Crane Street and the market were consulted on the design.

Councillor Neil Lewis, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "This is a great way to attract shoppers into the town centre. We have listened to the traders who wanted a sign. It is clearly visible and means people using the Tesco car park can see clearly how to easily walk to the nearby shops and market."