A consultation exercise on new welcome signs for a town is under way.

Horsham District Council wants to replace old, faded and worn-out metal signs throughout Horsham with more prominent designs allowing for easy updates of information.

The new signs will promote Horsham to shoppers, workers and visitors.

The signs will be erected at all entry points to Horsham in the next two months.

Once the entry signs are in place, a series of information maps and location signs are scheduled to be placed throughout Horsham town centre.

Horsham Society's existing traditional wooden signs will remain.

Councillor Roger Paterson, cabinet member for economic development, said: "We need to help businesses attract and retain customers in the face of uneasy economic conditions, increased competition and internet shopping.

"Without economic success, the attractive ambiance of the town will begin to decline. "We have commissioned professional designers to come up with designs which achieve a feel of the old and the new."

Suggestions for inclusion in the proposed entry signs for Horsham can be made by writing to 'Horsham entry signs', Horsham District Council, Park North, North Street, Horsham RH12 1RL.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005