The signs were originally put up in Somerset during the early part of the last century and where they still survive are considered to be locally distinctive and visually important elements in the landscape. The main aim of this LHI Project is to preserve the historic junction and cross road names by including a cast metal name collar onto significant signs in the Quantock area. The addition of ‘QUANTOCK HILLS’ and the buzzard logo beneath the junction name on each collar will create a unique feature to the signs and help visitors to identify the area. Tim Russell (Senior Ranger for the area) is co-ordinating this Highway Heritage project which has had wide consultation with local communities and became an action point through the Management Strategy for the area. Tim is involving parish councils, local residents, Area Highway Managers, archaeologists, Friends of Quantock (a local conservation and amenity group) and volunteers. Much of the research for the project has now been done and the first set of name collars are now being made. The LHI Project has allowed for twenty junction/crossroad signs to have name collars and be restored and repainted in traditional black and white.
Before the collars can be fitted the old cast iron road sign has to be stripped down and restored, in most cases this will mean a new core being installed (as the old ones have rusted out) and new ‘traditional’ metal finger arms being cast where needed. Tim has been developing the restoration work with help from the County’s Heritage Section and Cerdic Foundaries in Chard.
This project has involved volunteers in assisting with the historic research and painting up the new name collars, arms and finials. Much of the heavy work and painting of signpost columns ‘on the highway’ is being carried out by Somerset County Council Highways as a contribution in-kind towards this project which straddles three different highway area districts.
As part of this project Tim will be designing and producing an LHI/AONB Service leaflet describing the project and the history and importance of the road signs later on in the year.
