Richmond and Swaledale signs for tourism development

Thursday, March 8, 2018

A successful campaign was formed for the tourism development of Richmond and Swaledale from the new A1 motorway.

The local MP Rishi Sunak took up the issue after longstanding signs to “Richmond – Georgian Market Town” which were removed from the Scotch Corner junction during the upgrading works.

The Highways England initially refused to replace the signs, arguing they were not necessary and did not meet current regulations for brown tourism signs.

But Mr Sunak, supported by the leaders of North Yorkshire County and Richmondshire District councils, Carl Les and Yvonne Peacock and pressed the case at the highest levels, saying Richmond should not be placed at a disadvantage because of the upgrade. It followed the successful campaign last year to win brown tourism signs for Wensleydale at the Leeming Bar junction.

The Highways England has agreed to reimburse for the Scotch Corner signs after it was argued the local community, who had suffered because of the year-long delay to the upgrading project.

The intervention of Transport Minister Jesse Norman was required because the signs did not meet the strict criteria for brown tourism signs Highways England normally adhere to.

Mr Sunak said that it seemed a grossly unfair that Richmond should lose the benefit of the tourism signage because the road had been upgraded.

Richmondshire leader Cllr Peacock said that he is delighted in having a common sense which has prevailed. It is important that Richmond and Swaledale are sign posted as tourism destinations so that they can encourage more people to visit.

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