Browned off over tourism signs

The Welsh Government is being urged to speed up its new policy for new brown tourism signs to help boost local attractions this summer.

Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, raised the issue with Mrs Edwina Hart, who has responsibility for tourism, during weekly questions to Welsh Ministers.

Mr George said that there were a number of companies in Montgomeryshire that have been accredited by VisitWales to have a brown sign (like the one pictured) to publicise their business, but they were having to wait because Government policy had yet to be finalised. He then asked Mrs Hart when the policy would be forthcoming.

In response, Mrs Hart said that she would be issuing a statement before the National Assembly breaks for summer recess on July 19.

Mr George said: “While I welcome the Minister’s response, I am concerned that this policy will not be implemented in time for businesses to capitalise on tourists visiting Mid Wales this summer.

“All the towns in Montgomeryshire desperately want to improve their tourism signage to attract new business, particularly those just off the main trunk road network.

“We urgently need this policy in place because it will have an impact on attracting tourists to spend more time and money at attractions in Mid Wales.”