OVERGROWN bushes and hedgerows need trimming because they are hiding signs directing tourists towards a valley’s attractions, it has been claimed.

Ribble Valley Council’s chief executive has been instructed to write to Lancashire County Council requesting that all brown road signs in the borough are also cleaned and vegetation is cut back to make them more visible to drivers.

The request came from business owners who also wanted new brown signs installed in the area to help people discover the valley’s many tourism gems.

At a meeting of the valley’s economic and development committee, some councillors said that too many signs could spoil the look and feel of the area, whilst making it confusing and distracting for drivers.

However most agreed that something needed to be done to clean and maintain the signs which were becoming hidden or obscured by hedgerows.

Cllr Ken Hind, leader of Ribble Valley Council and a member of the economic development committee, said: “Lancashire County Council are responsible for this but they are not cleaning the signs.

“They are dirty and overgrown and that’s not helpful. We want them to get it sorted out.

“The council is also reviewing the whole of our signs.

“The advice we have received from businesses is to have the signs well away from places so drivers have plenty of time to react to them and see them.

“We are looking at whether we should have signs for Clitheroe and the Castle at Samlesbury at one end and another near Gisburn Auction Mart.”

Cllr Maureen Fenton said: “This needs thinking about very carefully.

“We need to work towards improving tourism signage but there are a number of things that need to be considered.

“One of which is we have to be consistent and once we start signing a particular venue it has to be clear.

“It’s not good enough to just create a sign if it can’t get visitors to that place.”

Cllr Ged Mirfin was firmly behind the calls. he said: "It's essential that visitors to the Ribble Valley are able to navigate their way around and get to their destinations and that's why these brown signs are so important.

"I've seen street and road signs which have been obscured by foliage and for those locations, which are just a little off the beaten track, they are vital for business."