LOCAL residents turned out in force this week to register their strong objections to the "trunk-road style" signs that have gone up in the town. They believe that in erecting the signs Hampshire County Council has used "a sledgehammer to crack a nut" with total disregard for the small market town environment. And they, like Alton Town Council, are calling for an urgent site visit to assess the impact of the signs on the local street scene. Their particular concern was the sign at the top of Vicarage Hill which overshadows one property and looks totally incongruous in what is a protected conservation area. The residents have written both to Hampshire County Council's environment department and East Hampshire District Council's conservation officer, expressing disbelief over the size and unsympathetic design of the signs which they feel to be dangerous, obstructive and an unnecessary "eyesore". In her letter, Vicarage Hill resident Mo Farrell said she and her neighbours had watched in disbelief last Saturday morning as "a colossal and hideous road sign was erected immediately outside 12 Vicarage Hill." Having rung HCC to protest, Mrs Farrell was told that there had to be a compromise when erecting directional signs. But, she had pointed out, the residents had not been given the privilege of compromising over anything. They had not been consulted over the plan to erect a sign on the hill but had merely been presented with a fait accompli. "The suspicion is that the county doesn't care if it upsets its council taxpayers, or if it ruins the look of a perfectly pleasant environment," said Mrs Farrell. While completely understanding that road signs are a necessity in modern-day life, Mrs Farrell also pointed out that they were "plug ugly". Standing as it does within Alton's Conservation Area the new Vicarage Hill sign is felt by residents to be "totally inappropriate, disproportionate and thoroughly offensive," writes Mrs Farrell. Residents agreed with her. For Rudi and Judith Schweimler who live at number 12 it is a "double whammy" - not only is the sign overshadowing their frontage but, they believe, the ugliness of it will devalue their property. Joan Hampshire was concerned that the size and positioning of the sign would obscure the entrance to properties in Oliver Rise and would interfere with vision displays for vehicles trying to exit onto Vicarage Hill. "It takes people's attention off the junction," added Roger Churchill, whose wife Rebecca pointed out that they had got rid of the original tree on that site for just that reason. While accepting the need for signage in the town which at present is confusing, Mrs Farrell felt that the new signs were just too big. She added: "I find it hard to fathom the minds of the powers that be who unilaterally decide to change the look of our street, without even consulting us, the residents. This is yet another example of government diktat. "We live in a conservation area. The idea behind this special status is that any changes should 'preserve and enhance' the environment. How could anyone believe that this monstrous metal sign does either?" According to deputy town clerk Greg Burt, Alton Town Council is of the same opinion. The signs were, he said, the result of an Alton Accessibility Project which had thrown up the need for improved town centre signage. The town council had been consulted over the signage but it, too, was staggered by the size of the signs. "They are totally inappropriate for a town of this size," said Mr Burt, who confirmed that a complaint had been made to Hampshire County Council along with a request for an environment officer to come on a site visit to see the impact of the signs on the town. He has also pointed out that, at a time when HCC has been pushing to get rid of street clutter, additional posts have been put up and redundant posts left when it would have been more appropriate to use existing fittings. Speaking on behalf of East Hampshire District Council's conservation department, a spokesman confirmed that HCC did not need planning permission to erect directional road signs in a conservation area, although the hope would be that any signs would be in keeping with the area. By way of explanation, HCC said in a statement on Wednesday: "The vehicular direction signing in and around Alton has been identified as a major issue locally. The town centre signage was considered to be inconsistent and confusing, particularly in relation to car park information, 'out of town' direction information and tourist information signing. "As part of an Alton Accessibility Project, this direction sign information was subject to review and a signing strategy developed including plans for a phased delivery. The strategy aims to promote Alton as a visitor destination, provide a co-ordinated signing system, facilitate movement into and around the town in a safe and efficient manner, provide commercial opportunities, raise awareness of attractions and create a welcoming first impression. "The first phase in delivering the strategy is the improvement of vehicular direction information which includes the provision of specific car park information and improves direction information into, around and out of the town and specific destinations within it. These works are currently in progress. "The new signs have been developed and positioned with due regard to the requirements of the Department for Transport that, through regulation and direction, controls all signing that is provided upon the public highway. "The sign strategy was developed through consultation that included Alton Town Council which has supported the project," he added.
