Smart new road signs costing £30,000, set to be installed in Mochdre, will point the way towards a business boost for local firms.
The much-needed signs are being funded by a grant from Colwyn Business Improvement District (BID), following requests by companies to help put the town on the map for customers.
Applications for planning approval have now ben submitted to Conwy County Borough Council for the 26 high-visibility signs showing the way to business zones covering Mochdre Commerce Park, Creamery Trade Park, Phoenix Workshops and Quinton Hazell Enterprise Parc.
BID project manager Anna Openshaw says the new signs are much-needed, will help put the area more squarely on the map and will bring in valuable extra business for the town’s 80 traders.
The not-for-profit social enterprise is run by the business communities in Colwyn Bay, Rhos-on-Sea, Old Colwyn and Mochdre. Firms pay a levy and the cash raised is used for projects to boost trade.
Conwy-based Ekult Highway Services, which specialises in providing bespoke traffic signage, is carrying out the work for BID.
Senior highways consultant Luke Blundell said: “We have submitted a number of applications to Conwy Council to install a total of 26 directional traffic signs, which will help guide people to Mochdre’s four business parks.
“They will be arranged in four zones, which include Commerce Park, Creamery Trade Park, the Phoenix Workshops and Quinton Hazell Enterprise Parc. They will be located at strategic points along Conway Road, which is the main route through the area.
“Half of the signs will be in blue and white, complete with small maps, and the rest will be in black and white. All of them are very eye-catching.
“The signs they will replace are quite old and haven’t been maintained or updated by the local authority. Consequently, not many people are aware that these four business parks are there.
“The new signs will change all that for the better and should help considerably in pointing people towards them.
“We’re experts in this particular field and have successfully done similar work for local authorities up and down the UK.”
BID project director Anna Openshaw said: “There was a real need to improve signage around the business parks so people can see what is available on their doorstep rather than heading off to shop in Llandudno or Rhyl.
“However, like most local authorities, Conwy County Borough Council is facing funding issues, so we’re delighted to have led on this scheme to ensure that Mochdre traders haven’t missed out on receiving all available help to achieve success.
“We have a great group of businesses here, many which are open to the public, from builders’ merchants and granite suppliers to delivery companies and car parts.
“I’m very pleased that Colwyn BID has been able to take action on this scheme, which will provide a big boost to local businesses by attracting more customers. It will also help put Mochdre much more firmly on the general map of the area.”
She added: “The new signage will include directions and maps so people can easily locate the companies they want, and will provide free advertising at the same time. The signs will also be in a format that is easy to update, such as when a new company moves into an empty unit.
“The business parks are a little out of the way for some people, so making sure potential customers know what companies are based there when they pass by is key to encouraging shoppers to think about popping in to see what’s on offer.
“For example, there’s no point in making a lengthy trek to a DIY superstore in Llandudno or Rhyl when there are builders’ merchants and hardware stores close by in Mochdre offering a wide range of items that are excellent value for money.”
