ALMOST 30 shops in Colne town centre have signed up to a scheme that will see identical hanging signs installed.

The sign, which shows the iconic image of the town’s skyline, will be adorned on 28 shops in the town, with space for the shop’s individual logo as well.

The scheme is being funded by money from the Section 106 agreement from the deal to build the Sainsbury’s supermarket, and there are enough funds for 50 shops to participate.

Paul Collins, of Pendle Council, said: “The need for this project was originally identified in the Colne Retail Survey funded by Colne Connected, and completed in 2009.

“Due to the linear layout of Colne Town Centre, the Retail Survey recommended that the town would benefit from hanging traditional signs at a right angle to town centre premises.

“This would serve to increase the profile of the businesses to both passing motorists and pedestrians.

“The hanging signs will increase the visibility of the individual businesses as well as creating a traditional uniformed look to the town.”

Each sign will cost £250 to produce and the cost will be split 50/50 between the council and the shop. All businesses within Colne town centre have been asked if they want to participate in the scheme.

Mr Collins said: “Bespoke designs will be drawn up for each individual business, before the signs are prod-uced and installed.

Once the initial round of 28 signs have been installed, the budget would allow for further businesses to have a sign designed and installed.

“The overall impact on Colne will be increased if a higher proportion of businesses sign up to the project.”