A number of Watford’s cast iron street signs are being repaired and restored in order to preserve the original Victorian style of the town.

The plates list original Victorian name places that reflect the history of the town, including The Earls of Essex and William Capell, the original owner of Cassiobury House.

Watford Borough Council says some of the historic signs in Oxhey are in poor condition and not easy to read.

To respect their historic origins, the council says the plate listed as Capel Road will be restored to 'Capell Road' to reflect its origins.

Restoration will also be carried out on signs in Upper Paddock Road, Villiers Road, Grover Road, Aldenham Avenue, and Oxhey Avenue.

Watford Observer:

Watford Observer:

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: "The beautifully restored signs not only preserve the original Victorian style of Oxhey Village, but will probably last a good deal longer than modern plastic versions, which need frequent maintenance and replacement.

"Clearer, brighter signs will also help people find their way around more easily."

The work will take place over the next few weeks, funded by councillors' locality budgets, and carried out by Murrill Construction. The council had intended to carry out the work last year but it was delayed by Covid-19.

Watford Observer:

Hertfordshire county councillor for Central Watford and Oxhey, Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst said: "The signs will be temporarily removed and taken to a specialist who will remove accumulated layers of paint and rust to reveals the sharpness of the original lettering and bring them back to the condition they were during the 19th century.

"It will also be great to see the Capell Road street signs will be shown with both LL's – with one 'L' previously painted over - as per the original name which reflects the Earls of Essex family and their history in Watford."