ASHBURTON Visitors Brown Signs were removed by Highways England 13 years ago when the A38 had major works carried out and they were never replaced.

Cllr John Nutley, Teignbridge District Councillor for Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Ward and Councillor for Ashburton Town Council took up the challenge to have them reinstated after being approached by Lydia Wood, the then chair of the Ashburton Chamber of Trade.

At the start of discussions with Highways England, now National Highways, he was told to have the signs replaced would cost £15,000.

John argued with Highways England saying that they were responsible for having the signs removed, so that meant it is down to them to have them reinstated at no cost to the Town Council.

Meetings were arranged with Highways England officers where it was stated by John that shops and businesses were beginning to suffer as there were no tourist signs along the A38 at Ashburton.

This meant that many visitors travelling along the A38 knew nothing about what Ashburton had to offer and were not coming into the town.

After further discussions with Highways England they at last agreed to reinstate the complete tourist signs with no cost to Ashburton Town Council.

Three and a half years on and with much perseverance from John the signs have at last been replaced.

Lydia Wood, past Chair of the Ashburton Chamber of Trade said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled that we have finally won the battle to get Ashburton’s Brown Signs back.

‘This would not have been possible without the hard work of Councillor John Nutley.

‘I worked on the project alongside John during my time as Chair of Ashburton Chamber of Trade and his support and communication with Highways England was key to finally getting them back up on the A38.

‘Councillor Nutley battled tirelessly with them over 3 1/2 long years and wouldn’t accept no for an answer.

‘With many businesses struggling in the aftermath of the Covid-19 Pandemic and now the cost of living crisis, these brown signs couldn’t have come at a better time.

‘They are going to give trade in the town centre a huge boost and set us up ready for the start of the tourist season.

‘Businesses in the town are also thanking John for all his efforts in getting the Brown Signs reinstated.’