The overwhelming majority of Totnes folk who responded to the recent Wayfinding consultation, hailed the existing town signs - aimed at encouraging visitors to find out more about their town – ‘poor’.

Most of the 149 people who engaged with the questionnaire said they would like to see a selection of new metal frame wayfinders filled with inset wood panels installed, to give both locals and holidaymakers improved information about what the town has to offer and local events.

And town councillors agreed at their December meeting.

The council commissioned Truro-based consultants Perch and Ponder to the tune of £5,900 to come up with a selection of potential design styles, and to then ask residents for their opinion.

Now town chiefs have agreed to press ahead with the project based on the results of the public consultation, and have earmarked £45,000 for the implementation of the first phase of the project.

Of the 146 people who responded to the question ‘which wayfinding system best suits Totnes’ 85 plumped for the metal frame with inset wood panels option.

When asked how effective they thought the existing signage is at encouraging locals and visitors to explore Totnes, 106 out of 149 said ‘poor.’ Just ten people think they are ‘good’ with the remaining 33 stating they are ‘ok.’

Giving examples, respondees said it was was particularly difficult to find the High Street from Heath’s Nursery, more signs are needed to direct people to the library, many of the existing information boards are old and weather beaten, and more smart noticeboards are needed for displaying posters.

The questionnaire then asked people to pick three out of six listed offerings that would most benefit from improved signage.

Topping the list with 92 of the respondents was history and heritage, followed by outdoor and trails voted for by 91 people, and arts and events achieving 85 votes.

Shopping and markets received 57 votes, eating and drinking scored 45, and health and wellness was favoured by just 10 people.

Other areas put forward that could be helped by better signage were the town’s garden trail, public loos, bus stops and key sites including Totnes Castle, the cinema and open spaces.

Ninety-four people answered how they direct people to their favourite place, and if they own a business how do they tell people how to find them – which were via the Visit Totnes website, the internet, social media, and word of mouth.

Some said the existing brown tourist signs “don’t hit the eye,” and there were calls for finger posts to give directions from The Plains and the railway station to St Mary’s Church, East Gate Arch and the market.

Others said as 90 per cent of the shops are on one street they didn’t feel the need to direct customers

Other responses included telling people to walk up and down the High Street and look out for and explore the little alleyways; that Totnes is small and everything is on or not far from one street.

It was agreed by some that nearly everyone will have used the internet to locate harder to find locations, but that sending people to Leechwell usually requires the aid of a map and descriptive geographic markers.

Respondees hailed the Civic Square the key signage hub from where people can be directed to parks, gardens and the riverside, with things to explore along the way.