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Faversham: Calls for public vote on Welcome to Faversham sign

Which sign would you like to see as you come into town?

After one of the historical plaques was stolen from Graveney Road, a Faversham artist has painted a new design to welcome visitors and residents.

The traditional signs are still in place in London Road, Ashford Road and Canterbury Road but could be replaced with a modern successor, costing the council about £7,000.

Scroll down for poll.

The old and potentially new town sign.
The old and potentially new town sign.

Hugh Ribbans gave the original style a contemporary twist but in keeping with tradition, he included images of the historical barges, Guildhall and St Mary’s Church.

Cllr Ted Wilcox (Con) presented the plans to the town council and public on Monday evening, but didn’t receive the response he was hoping for.

He said during the meeting: “We have used a local artist and we would use a mould so if they are stolen again, they would be replaceable.

“We would like to put something into the budget for this and go ahead with the new sign as soon as possible.”

However, Cllr David Simmons (Con) had other ideas and said he had been in touch with a firm in Ashford which would make a replica to replace the stolen sign, which would cost the council as little as £500.

Cllr Ted Wilcox.
Cllr Ted Wilcox.

There were mixed views in the Guildhall, with Cllr Ben Martin (Independent) saying the original signs were “unique to Faversham” but Cllr Geoff Wade arguing there was a universal “wow factor” when the new ones were presented and you needed that factor as you entered any town.

"If they are stolen again, they would be replaceable." - Cllr Ted Wilcox

The council decided to scrap the new signs and investigate the restoration of the originals.

Cllr Wilcox said after the meeting: “While I accept the preparation of a mould from one of our current signs to make resin copies is much cheaper, it would have been good to update our image.”

There were calls from the public gallery that the decision should be in the hands of the community and it should be put out to consultation.

What do you think? Leave your comments below or email favershamnews@thekmgroup.co.uk

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