Kentish Express Ashford & District
New street signs slammed as being ‘out of keeping’
Campaigner says council has created ‘shambolic’ blend of old and new
A campaigner has blasted Ashford council for being “confused and inept” after the introduction of new street signs in the town centre.
Andy Clark says the new £100,000 signs, which were erected in January, are a waste of taxpayers’ money, and believes it is another example of the heritage of Ashford being trashed.
He said: “The signs are out of keeping with the rest of the expensive street furniture. The old Victorian signs blended in with the surroundings.
“The new ones end up giving the town a shambolic blend of both old and new – surely it should be one or the other.
“It gives the impression of a council in confusion over its policy for the town. Personally I think they are a waste of money, it suggests the council are inept.”
The new signs were paid for from growth area funding from the government and direct people to key sites in the town.
It is not the first time that council spending from government or developer grants and funds has been criticised.
In December the council unveiled the Ashlon sculpture outside International House, which some residents are calling The Surfboard.
Old Victorian-style black-andgold street signs were removed in January by contractors, but much of the other street furniture, including benches and lighting, still follows the Victorian market town theme.
The new signs are described as “future proof” because sites can be added to or removed from each sign.
Previously Ashford council cabinet member Graham Galpin said the new signs allow the council to reflect the changes to Ashford as the town develops.
He said: “The flexibility of the contemporary signage will allow us to highlight significant developments as they happen, such as the cinema at Elwick Place and the new college.”
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk