'Naked Streets' closer for Marlow after Government urges clutter clearance (From Bucks Free Press)

'Naked Streets' closer for Marlow after Government urges clutter clearance

7:20am Monday 30th August 2010 in

By James Nadal »

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A RADICAL plan to eradicate 'unnecessary' road signs across Marlow – creating 'naked streets' – took a giant step forward after Government backing.

The revolutionary roads re-think first proposed by Marlow Mayor Roger Wilson nearly two years ago (see related articles below) could finally get off the ground after Communities Secretary Eric Pickles told councils to shed street 'clutter'.

Cllr Wilson hailed the announcement but it came as Marlow Bottom businessman urged council bosses to provide extra signs to attract more custom into the village.

Traders say there are not enough signs leading to their village to direct motorists to their shops.

Ditching traffic signs has been trialled in Europe and London, with the idea of making drivers think more for themselves, creating what has been called ‘naked streets’.

Mr Pickles said: "Our streets are losing their English character."

We are being overrun by scruffy signs, bossy bollards, patchwork paving and railed off roads wasting taxpayers' money that could be better spent on fixing potholes or keeping council tax down. We need to 'cut the clutter'.”

Cllr Wilson told the Free Press: “I think it's great news and now it's up to the county to follow Eric Pickle's lead.

“I would like to see the vast majority of signs scrapped.”

The philosophy behind the proposal is to make drivers think more for themselves, prevent them being distracted by unnecessary notices and make the town more attractive.

Signs showing speed limits and roundabouts would be first for the axe, especially where there has been repetition, he said.

Cllr Wilson was initially backed by county transport supremo cllr Val Letheren and officers have inspected the town to look at possible removals.

But Cllr Wilson doubts their enthusiasm.

“I keep pushing county and they keep being a sponge bag – in other words they want it to go away.”

Cllr Letheren said BCC “fully support” Mr Pickles' plan, saying “it's something we have been working towards for a while throughout the county”.

“Of course, there are legal requirements for some signage, but we are gradually reviewing all signs with the aim of retaining only that which is absolutely necessary.

"This is a case where less is definitely more."

New signs will be monitored carefully, she added.

However, while Marlow High Street is an obvious destination for shoppers, Brucewood Parade, Marlow Botton is not, businessmen say.

Traders are pushing for a new sign at the junction to Marlow Bottom.

Traders say they need to make more drivers going past the village aware of the Brucewood Parade shops.

Gav Singh, owner of Marlow Bottom Fish Bar, has written to council bosses requesting a sign.

Bernie Longhurst, 55, owner of Longhurst's - the only remaining butchers in Marlow – backed him, saying: “We always have been keen (for a sign) because we are offset from Marlow.

“If you are coming off the M40, which a lot of people do, it would be nice to have a sign there telling them there are local shops. It would increase trade.”

Glyn Coombes, 59, co-owner of new business Westmount Music, said: “Something to make people more aware of the shops would be brilliant.”

Cllr Wilson said whilst he had sympathy for Marlow Bottom businesses Marlow Town Council had fought against High Street businesses advertising through A-Boards.

Comments(19)

BigTommy says...
9:03am Mon 30 Aug 10

... Glyn Coombes, 59, co-owner of new business Westmount Music, said: “Something to make people more aware of the shops would be brilliant.” ...
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This from someone who does not include a map or directions on his website!
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DOH!