SAFFRON Walden has been “put back on the map” after re-branded signs pointing people in the direction of the town were unveiled at Audley End station.

The signs have the additional wording ‘for Saffron Walden’ to help inform visitors that Audley End is also the station for the historic town.

Although the station is just two miles from the town, Saffron Walden MP Sir Alan Haselhurst said the signs – which also feature the floral Saffron Walden symbol – would go some way in restoring the connection between the two.

“Up until the 1960s the station signs did say ‘Audley End for Saffron Walden’ but it is still confusing for many people to say this is Saffron Walden’s station,” he said, before officially unveiling the new signs. “These new signs help to make the point that the town is the biggest community the station serves.”

The signs were developed by Greater Anglia with help from the Tourist Information Centre and Business Forum.

Alan Neville, area manager for Greater Anglia, said: “Audley End station is the gateway for rail passengers visiting Saffron Walden and the new station signs highlight the important association between the station and the town.

“This is very important for the community – it will encourage more business and leisure travel between Saffron Walden and London in both directions.”

Mr Neville added that the signs are part of the firm’s bid to establish a “seamless link” between the station and the town – and he said plans to develop a dedicated bus link between the two, connecting with key train services, are progressing. Hopes are high the service will be in place by the end of the year.