Residents are being asked for their say on how signage in Totnes can be improved to help ensure visitors discover everything the historic town has to offer.

The town council says for many years, via its tourism brand Visit Totnes, it has received feedback that the town signage is confusing and insufficient in many areas.

Keen to improve the visitor experience by ensuring all areas of the town are clearly mapped, and giving priority to walking and green travel, councillors commissioned consultants Perch and Ponder to undertake an audit of the town’s current signage.

The strategic, design-led consultancy service for people focused interpretation and wayfinding projects, to undertake an audit of the town’s current signage.

Perch and Ponder produced a report outlining their recommendations for improvements including where new signage should go and what the design could look like.

The consultants have now produced a report outlining their recommendations for improvements including where new signage should go and what the design could look like.

Director Dave Tonkin, said: “The aim of the project is for visitors to the town to have a more relaxing, fulfilling and enjoyable experience resulting in them spending more time and money in town, being more inclined to share positive remarks and photos via social media and word of mouth, and leaving feeling better informed about the area’s history and heritage, local businesses and sustainability”.

The options Perch and Ponder have set out include making the best use of off-the-shelf and bespoke options that are adaptable, long lasting and easy to manufacture; and ensuring that updates can be made efficiently.

They also recommend using systems which allow a variety of materials to adapt to the different settings within Totnes from shopping areas to the river; and using systems that can be added to consistently over time – ideas include having panels that local children could design, heritage or arts trails

Town clerk Catherine Marlton said: “We are now at a stage where we would like feedback from the local community to highlight your thoughts on the existing signage currently in town, what improvements can be made, what areas in town would benefit from improved signage and which of the proposed designs people prefer.” 

The community consultation will be open until Tuesday November 30.

Residents can view the design options or pick up a postcard at the town’s library or submit feedback online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/W738LDX

The team from Perch and Ponder will also be at Totnes Market in the Civic Square on Friday November 19 to answer any questions.

Once the feedback has been received from the consultation it will be considered by full council on Monday December 6.

The next stages include obtaining permission from Devon County and South Hams Councils before contacting local companies inviting them to tender for the production and installation of the signage.

It is hoped installation work will begin in the spring of 2022 to ensure the first phase of improvements are in place for the 2022 visitor season.