Barnet Council is asking businesses to sponsor a new set of about 50 signs intended to welcome visitors to different areas of Barnet.

Councillors agreed to replace existing signs around the borough with a complete new set at a planning meeting on March 26, although a sponsorship deal has not yet been signed.

John Turtle, chairman of the Mill Hill Preservation Society, dismissed the proposal as a 'rather dull and silly initiative'.

"What information do these signs convey?" he said.

"It's just more advertising promoted by the council and cluttering up the visual environment.

"I wish the council would concentrate on rather more important matters.

"Does it have a self-esteem problem?

"I do not seriously believe that a local or national business is going to gain a penny in sales by getting their name on a sign saying 'Here is Barnet Council town centre'."

Criticism for the scheme has also come from Philip Davies, director of English Heritage, who said the signs will damage the Hampstead Garden Suburb conservation area.

Members of the suburb's residents' association also object, calling the signs extra street clutter.

A council spokeswoman said: "No-one has signed anything yet. We don't know who the sponsor will be. But we do know there will be more than one at the boundaries of each town centre."

It is thought the signs will be a similar aqua colour to the new street signs brought out around the borough in February, and will say 'Welcome to ...'.

They are due to be erected in the coming months.

April 8, 2003 11:30