Sign will definitely be a talking point
I READ with interest on social media the interest in the new, artistic sign on the Johnstown entry to the A40 to Carmarthen from down west. I know the new sign is creating controversy, but I have to express how much I enjoy seeing it. It really is an exciting piece. I have been an aficionado of North American road sign art for many years now, and I think this new work really shows people approaching Carmarthen what beautiful, imaginative people we are here.
If you consider Route 66 in North America, a bustling success story in the 1950s, now sadly many towns along its way have become ghost towns with closed down stores, hotels and saloons. However, it is the towns which have made themselves attractive to the traveller which are maintaining success. Their big artistic ‘Welcome to...’ signage creates a buzz which carries on through the towns, encouraging businesses to open and travellers to visit. In these uncertain times, with larger chain stores closing, we really need to capitalise on every asset to attract tourists, ferry traffic and suchlike into the town to learn the history, admire the art, have lunch, visit the shops, spend money and enjoy Carmarthen, making it successful again as we are pulling into a new future post-lockdown.
With regard to the sign being hidden, it will only be a matter of time before people seek it out, such as the murals in Pontiac, Illinois, and, closer to home, Bansky’s works in Bristol. It will definitely be a talking point (it already is) and it is up to us, as people who love Carmarthen, to make more of our town, ensuring it stays great.
There will be arguments put forward that the money could be better spent elsewhere, and I agree that money does need spending elsewhere in the town, but we need a more rounded approach to getting the town to where it needs to be. We cannot leave anything to chance.
After all, with the new film about to hit the media about ‘Lizzie the Lyric’ saving the town cinema/theatre, with Steven Spielberg’s help, it may not be long before a great crowd of new generation visitors travel to Carmarthen to see the town and its art.
Ian Gravell
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