Low-cost pub sign scheme unveiled

A council has launched a "landmark" fast-track, low-cost system to let isolated rural pubs advertise themselves on signs by main roads.

South Norfolk Council's scheme follows pressure from the host of one country pub, who urged action to help maintain trade.

The deal costs pubs £95 and they must have permission from the owner of the land where the sign will be placed.

Only three colours are allowed — green, cream or beige. Sizes and the number of signs will be "strictly controlled".

Cllr Keith Weeks, who chaired the Signage Task Group, hailed the "landmark deal" struck with Norfolk County Council.

"Our pubs and businesses are hidden gems being hit hard in a recession which has shut so many across Norfolk," he said.

"They appealed to us to give them a chance of survival by letting them better advertise their locations on main and other roads. We have delivered for them."

A recent survey of licensees by South Norfolk Council, which is running a campaign to help pubs, listed lack of access to signs among the top three problems facing licensees.

John Lainchbury, host of the freehold Ugly Bug Inn at Colton, near Norwich, asked the council to help after he was ordered to remove signs he put up in 2009.

He said trade falls 10% to 20% when the signs are removed because his pub is so isolated

Lainchbury said erecting a "brown sign" would cost about £2,000 in planning, accreditation and installation. Health and safety rules meant he would need to pay for temporary traffic lights when installing the sign on the road.

He labeled the new scheme a "step in the right direction", but added that it would require licensees to have good relations with local landowners.