SAFFRON Walden now has bright new signs to welcome people coming into the town.

Local photographer Gordon Ridgewell came up with the original suggestions for new signs in 2008 and the project was taken forward by the Saffron Walden Initiative (SWI) with the town, district and county councils.

In 2009 Essex County Council funded designer David Riches to create a design which features the unique logo based on the saffron crocus.

The new signs were approved by the town council and in 2010 a further grant was obtained from the county council to have the signs manufactured and installed.

This involved sample signs being made which needed adjustments before the final versions were produced.

The scheme was managed by Bruce Tice, when he was the Saffron Walden project officer, on a voluntary basis.

Chairman of SWI Peter Riding said: “Some of the old signs were missing or damaged, and really didn’t do the town justice.

“With both the Carnival and the Maze Festival happening this summer we are pleased to see these improvements which help to make the town welcoming for visitors.”