Traders get behind sign (From Free Press Series)

Traders get behind sign

IT'S a sign - Blaenavon traders have received official backing in their bid to flag the town up on all major routes through Wales.

Blaenavon business-people feared a lack of signs on the M4 and roads leading into the town meant they were missing out on business from the tourism industry.

Blaenavon Project manager Cath Thomas has this week announced the start of a strategy aimed at erecting a series of signs, from the M4 and main trunk roads down to maps posted on signs in the town for pedestrians.

She said: "It's not just a question of throwing up some signs, we need a strategy of how we promote it right up to and within Blaenavon. The M4 signs have to be in agreement with the Assembly. This involves liasing with highways and planning authorities, we are also keen to get the UNESCO and World Heritage logos on motorway signs.

"There are sure plans to push it along this year.

"We will put together a project and get our highways team on board. "I would like to see that it could be done within six to nine months," she added.

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy has also backed the Free Press campaign to NAME THAT TOWN, in a bid to get signs for Blaenavon.

Neighbouring museum Big Pit took in over 150,000 visitors last year and businesses in the centre want to attract some of those visitors to the town. Mr Murphy said: "I welcome the campaign by the Free Press to get better signs to Blaenavon from the M4.

"With the heritage and attractions of the town itself, Big Pit and the beautiful surrounding countryside, I would recommend Blaenavon as a great place to visit.

"Signs on major routes like the M4 and Heads of Valleys road would hopefully spark their curiosity about Blaenavon and make them think about paying a visit.

"I will therefore write to the Assembly to put my views across and to ask them to put better signs in place," he added.