Councils rapped for too many road signs

Conservation consultant Colin Johns had been commissioned by Kennet District Council to provide a character assessment of the town's conservation area, which was first designated in 1970.

In his report, which is published this week, Mr Johns hits out at the proliferation of signs around the town, the unsympathetic developments of the 1960s and later, and is critical of some aspects of Kennet's own plans for rejuvenating the town centre.

Although Mr Johns stresses that the town is a place for people to live, work and enjoy themselves, he identifies ways in which the historic town, built around the medieval castle which no longer exists, could be spared the worst excesses of the modern age.

He said: "The early and mid-20th century was not kind to Devizes, bringing with it architecture of little merit.

"The fashionable style of building was rectangular in both plan and elevation with flat roofs frequently used.

"Thus we now see the development on the corner of Monday Market Street and New Park Street as incongruous and unattractive, especially when seen from the service areas to the rear."

Local councils have not helped by cluttering the streets with large and unnecessary signage, says Mr Johns. He singles out the county council's huge signs encouraging people to share their cars and reduce the amount of traffic on the road.

Of the reorganisation of the Market Place he said: "For the most part the scheme has recognised the quality of the space, although the prominence given to the identification of routes for vehicles has led to areas of paving being built arbitrarily into the carriageway."

An illustrated draft of the report is now available for public consultation before it is adopted by the district council. Copies can be seen at the offices of Kennet District Council at Browfort, Bath Road, Devizes, at Devizes Town Council's offices at the town hall and at Devizes Library in Sheep Street.