THE “unsightly” entrance to Hexham which has become cluttered with A-boards is set to have a clear-up with the introduction of new signage.

Northumberland County Council has plans to install signage along Rotary Way to make people coming into the town aware of French Garden Industrial Estate, Bridge End Industrial Estate, Foundry Industrial Estate and Beaufront Business Park.

It has also delivered a letter to all businesses that currently have A-boards on Rotary Way or the industrial estates themselves, requesting their removal in the next five days, to tie in with the signage being installed.

The issue was raised at last week’s Hexham Town Council meeting by town and county councillor for Hexham East, Coun. Cath Homer.

She said: “As much as I love the welcome to Hexham signs, I’ve got a real issue with the number of A-boards that are around the town because, particularly as you come over the bridge, it’s out of control now and it’s looking really unsightly and it’s not the kind of welcome that I think we should be giving.”

The council said 80 letters had been delivered along Bridge End Industrial Estate in the summer to try to engage businesses to look at signage schemes that would highlight the industrial estates and also possibly provide a sign with a map and business names.

However, it said only 12 had responded.

Coun. Homer said she would still like to find a way forward for businesses to advertise without the need for A-boards.

She said: “I think we need to have a planned alternative to those boards.”