Agenda item

To consider a report (copy enclosed) by the Traffic, Parking and Road Safety Manager which seeks the Committee’s observations on the development of a Tourism Signage Strategy for Denbighshire, and updates members on current tourism signage schemes.

11.30am – 12pm

The Leader, Councillor Hugh Evans, Traffic, Parking and Road Safety Manager, Mike Jones and Team Leader - Tourism, Marketing & Events and Peter McDermott were in attendance for the item.

The Leader, Councillor Hugh Evans, introduced the report (previously circulated) to provide information regarding the development of the Tourism Signage Strategy, including an update on ongoing tourism signage schemes. 

Members heard the report had highlighted the need to address the Tourism Signage within Denbighshire. Tourism is very important to Denbighshire, a large amount of time and work had been invested by officers. It was highlighted that the report was outdated as the remaining funding for the Vale of Clwyd signage to be erected on the A55 had been agreed by Strategic Investment Group. The Leader welcomed the establishment of a working group to develop a follow-on Tourism Signage Strategy with a view to directing tourists to all parts of the county. Concerns were raised over the finance for the strategy, would high expectations be attainable from the private sector and the strategy be aligned to the Wales Way.      

The Traffic, Parking and Road Safety Manager (TTPR) explained the remit of the Working group to the committee. Members from each of the member area groups had been invited to attend the group. The intention of the group had been to oversee the development of the Tourism Signage strategy. The 5 proposed objectives of the strategy, outlined within the report would be monitored by the Working group.    

Members were provided an overview of the Wales Way from the Team Leader - Tourism, Marketing & Events (TLTME). It was confirmed Denbighshire was included in the North Wales Way with all other Authorities in North Wales. Emphasis was given to the importance of partnership working with the other authorities. Promoting Wales and its attractions through the North Wales Way information was being undertaken to encourage tourists to visit Wales.

Discussions took place regarding the signage from the A55 towards Rhyl. The TTPR confirmed that numerous options had been explored by officers. It was explained that numerous complaints had been received from Dyserth residents about traffic. Officers agreed signage for Rhyl from Junction 31 would increase traffic passing through Dyserth and thus increase complaints. It was explained officers had looked at other solutions. The proposed new signage scheme will allow the public to get to a destination and onto a tourist attraction.

Signage for charging points in car parks had not been included in the design of the new tourist signage, the TTPR confirmed it may be included in future discussions. Charging stations for smart cars was supported by smart technology that included maps which included charging stations, it was felt that this was adequate for the current demand.  

Confirmation that the Council’s approval for the funding had only just been agreed. Members heard the approval notification had not been discussed with Town, City and Community Council’s to date. Communication with Welsh Government for work timescales would take place with the aim to have a timescale in place by the summer of 2020.

The Chair stated the trunk road passed through a number of local wards, it was suggested that the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency (NMWTRA) be involved in the Working group along with the members.  The importance of the working group to examine and explore members’ concerns including funding and budgets was emphasised.   

The Leader supported the suggestion of using symbols on tourist signs from the Trunk Road could be an area for the working group to look at. A letter could be sent to the Welsh Government asking for the policy to be reviewed, to allow promotion of towns further away from the trunk road.

Members were pleased to see images from Denbighshire had been included in the North Wales Way document. It was confirmed that more information and tourist attractions in Denbighshire would be promoted online and in further documents.

At the conclusion of the discussion the Committee:

Resolved:

(i)           subject to the above observations to support the continuation of the work to develop the Tourism Signage Strategy, including extending an invitation to representatives from the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency (NMWTRA) to contribute towards the Strategy’s development as and when the Working Group deemed appropriate; and

(ii)          be presented with the final draft of the Tourism Strategy in late 2020/early 2021 for examination prior to its approval