Signs of gratitude on the streets
ROAD markings carrying messages of gratitude to NHS workers have suddenly appeared on South Wales streets.
Messages reading “Thank You NHS Diolch Yn Fawr” appeared on four busy main roads in Newport yesterday morning.
The yellow markings have been placed in high traffic areas on Cardiff Road outside Newport central police station, and near the bottom gate at Belle Vue Park.
Similar messages were also left outside Malpas Fire Station on Malpas Road, and below the Old Green Roundabout approaching Usk Way.
The signs were placed by Matt Stanton and his team at Roman Road Markings Ltd with permission from Newport council.
Matt said he painted the messages free of charge with help from traffic management company Amberon Ltd.
“I approached Newport council and asked for permission to put them there,” the 46-year-old said.
“Obviously, they were delighted.
“They gave us the permission and the locations where they felt they would be suited to the emergency services.”
Matt said he wanted to create an eye-catching message of support for NHS workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“One of the members of staff who works for us, his fiancé works on the front line in the Heath hospital,” he said.
“We have friends in the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport as well.
“I felt having something as clear and bright as that on the highway, I thought it wold be more noticeable,” he said.
“Two weeks ago we took 346 cans of drinks to the ward. But we felt a bit more compelled to do something that would be noticeable by everyone.
“This is a message from us personally to NHS workers across the country.”
Matt said his team finished the work yesterday morning before heading off to paint social distancing lines at a supermarket in Bristol.
Newport council leader Jane Mudd said: “Again, our heartfelt thanks goes out to all those working in the NHS and across frontline services in the response to Covid-19.
“Together with local contractors, Roman Road Markings and Amberon, we are pleased to be able to share our appreciation at key city locations.”