Oakham Welcome Signs Get a Makeover New Welcome Boards Arrive "Out with the Crap"

Oakham Welcome Signs Get a Makeover New Welcome Boards Arrive
By Local Democracy Reporter

Signs in parts of Oakham’s town centre have received a significant upgrade this week as Rutland County Council began the installation of brand-new visitor welcome and information boards.

The initiative, aimed at boosting tourism and improving navigation for visitors, marks the end of what some have described as a "dreadful" era for the town’s signage.

The new boards serve as high-quality portals to the area, featuring curated information provided by Discover Rutland. The project has been made possible through central government backing, specifically funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The modern designs replace the aging, wooden structures that had become a point of contention for many locals due to their weathered appearance and deteriorating quality.

"Out with the Crap"

The upgrade has been met with a mix of praise and a "call to arms" regarding the state of the surrounding environment. Oakham Town Councillor Martin Brookes did not mince words when discussing the transition from the old signage to the new.

"They are very smart and I am pleased to see the pretty crap ones have finally been removed," Cllr Brookes said. "They looked awful untreated wooden ones cladded with dreadful plastic information boards."

While the Councillor welcomed the aesthetic improvement of the signs themselves, he issued a challenge to the County Council to ensure the rest of the town matches this new standard.

"Now all the County Council has to do is clean up the surrounding streets," Cllr Brookes added. "Otherwise, the new signs will look so out of place."

The installation is part of a wider effort to revitalise Rutland’s market towns and encourage footfall in the wake of shifting high street trends. By providing clear, professional, and attractive information, the Council hopes to better showcase Oakham’s unique heritage and local businesses.

A spokesperson for the Council noted that the investment represents a commitment to maintaining Rutland's reputation as a premier destination for visitors. However, for residents like Cllr Brookes, the success of the new boards will be measured not just by their design, but by the cleanliness of the areas they sit on.

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