New signs have been installed to help the expected increase in visitors explore everything that Bishop Auckland has to offer.
With the ongoing improvements and additions to Auckland Castle, among many other exciting plans for the town, and the open-air, live action attraction Kynren due to open in 2016, Bishop Auckland is expecting large numbers of visitors from next year.
Funded and installed by Durham County Council, the signs will help people find their way around town as well as pointing them in the direction of transport links and local attractions. The signs also include the estimated walking times to key locations to help people unfamiliar with Bishop Auckland.
The new network of signs includes five street maps, two notice boards – one advertising upcoming events, the other providing tourist information – and a finger post sign. These new contemporary signs have been designed to stand out from the other street furniture and are consistently branded so people can spot them more easily than the ad hoc out of date signs they replaced.
Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “The coming year promises a real step-change in the future of Bishop Auckland and a massive boost for the town in both jobs and the local economy. By installing these new signs we hope to help make sure that the local businesses and residents of Bishop Auckland are first in line to feel the benefit of the increased tourism we’re sure these changes will bring.”
The design of the signs was decided upon following input from the Auckland Castle Trust, Newgate Shopping Centre, Bishop Auckland Town Council and local members.