Councils sign up to support pub tourist markers

Pubs in a tourist area have been given a boost after two councils paved the way to make it easier for them to advertise their businesses.

Norfolk licensees had previously found it expensive and complicated to apply for permission to put up signs on the road to promote their pubs.

But South Norfolk and North Norfolk County Council have signed a deal on 'brown signs'.

Council chiefs said the move would help pubs capitalise on 'staycations' as more people opt to take holidays at home.

Cllr Keith Weeks, of South Norfolk Council, who has campaigned to save rural pubs hailed the move as a 'landmark deal'.

He said: "Our pubs and businesses are hidden gems being hit hard in a recession which has shut so many across Norfolk.

"They appealed to us to give them a chance of survival by letting them better advertise their locations on main and other roads. We have delivered for them."

Part of the problem for pubs was not knowing the financial implications of applying for a sign would be. They are now informed at an early stage that the cost for a planning application is £95 for a sign on public land.

Guidance for licensees also includes:

• signs must be on private land, subject to agreement between the publican and local landowner;
• there are three choices of colour - green, cream or beige - to fit in with the countryside;
• size and numbers of signs are strictly controlled to stop there being too many.

Weeks added: "Our county colleagues faced a range of constraints beyond their control which we as a district council found that we were free of. So we worked together to come up with this solution which gives our pubs and businesses the support they need.

"This also avoids having masses of signs of different shapes, sizes and colours but tells visitors and others where to find our hidden gems.

There is also guidance available at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk​