Unsightly sign of the times?

Once upon a time there was a beautiful, unspoilt, historic village, not far from Monmouth.

It had a rich history and upwards of 20 historical spellings, four of which were, until recently, still in use.

In a report by the BBC in 2018, the nation was informed that “Although it was quite common for places to have many historical spellings of village names, Trellech stands out because of the way the locals have preserved these variants and kept them going.” Sadly, this is now history.

When Trelech was included in the AONB, people were generally happy because the area would now have protection under its umbrella of being to “Protect the land to conserve and enhance its natural beauty.”

Recently the Treleck Village News page, with over 1,500 members, has been alive with complaints about the new road signs which have recently sprung up, not only in Treleck, but in surrounding villages.

Why has there been a plague of these signs when everyone was happy and proud of the old ones, some of which were pre-war?

If readers are not aware of the signs, here is a picture of the one which “welcomes careful road users to Trellech.”

You might not notice your welcome, because it is situated on the opposite side of the road to which you are driving, cycling etc.!!

If you did notice it, by the time you have got through the Welsh spelling which comes first, you will be too engaged in watching your speed which must quickly decrease to 30, then 20 mph.

I wonder if these signs have been erected because of the 20mph speed limits which have been enforced throughout parts of the county?

If this should be the case, there are plenty of 20mph signs everywhere. It didn’t justify new road signs. What was wrong with the old ones? They had served their purpose for many years.

The view from the council houses at Broadstone, looking down the country lane, past the village green towards Catbrook village hall was rural and a joy to observe.

The area felt very much part of an OANB, but now there are big, ghastly, green and white signs at each side of the road.

They are cheap looking and eyesores, neither outstanding nor natural nor beautiful.

People are asking for them to be removed.

Rumours and speculation abound, such as that the signs cost £28,000, but was this for the signs covering the county or locally? Time for some answers please.

Through your newspaper, could those involved please tell the ratepayers how all this came about?

Why did this happen, with no consultation of the local public?

People would be interested to know what the AONB officers were thinking about when they agreed that defacing the beautiful countryside, which they should be protecting, was a good idea.

If someone was, for example, renovating a small cottage and decided to put in big windows which were not in keeping, the authority and AONB officers would have plenty to say.

Please, now have your say about this subject which is upsetting so many.

Writing about Trellech, can we please know how much it cost to install the new road signs for all the areas covered by the T.U.C.C?

I dare say the information is within the minutes many months ago, but never the less, it would be great to have an official response.

I believe there is something called “freedom of information” and so, could those involved please provide the information about these road signs which have robbed our villages of their identity.

There was a recent meeting at The Shire Hall to discuss, with the public, the budget proposals and to explain how the cost of living crisis is affecting MCC and the financial strain it is under.

What financial strain when so much time and money has been thrown at this ill-thought-out scheme?

Much better to have fixed the potholes.

Explanations, please.

Thank you.

A Concerned Resident of Trelleck

(Name and address supplied)