Call for signs to help rural businesses in Hoddlesden (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Call for signs to help rural businesses in Hoddlesden

9:00pm Monday 29th June 2009 in

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RURAL businesses in Hoddlesden are losing out because of poor road signs, the area’s councillor claims.

Coun Julie Slater is urging the council to mark the area clearly for passing motorists and potential shoppers.

She said: “Hoddlesden has a lot to offer such as a beautiful deli at the Post Office and a great fish and chip shop, and they would do so much better if people knew they were there.

“We need a ‘Welcome to’ sign or signs pointing out what Hoddlesden has to offer when you come down from Pickup Bank, from the Grane Road or at the crossroads at Blacksnape.”

Coun Slater also chairs the East Rural Network, a body of business owners and residents who raise funds to improve local facilities and amenities. She said: “The East Rural Network are looking into the signs and we might have to fund it ourselves because the council are telling us we need to show them pictures of other rural villages that have them in place. We need to get a portfolio together to give examples of what we want.”

Maureen Raynor, owner of Hoddlesden Village Chippy, in Queens Square, said: “If we don’t have signs up, we can’t promote the village and what there is on offer. Small places can’t afford to run big advertising campaigns, so signs at every entrance to the village would be a boost.”

Clare Leadley, owner of the village Post Office and deli said: “We need to get interest and money into the village from further afield.

Regeneration chief Coun Alan Cottam said: “We are working with Hoddlesden parish council on a range of issues to improve the village, including renovating the tram shelter and would be happy to discuss the idea of a village sign with them. Seeing examples from other areas would help.”