'Childish' and 'aggressive' signs to be installed at Frome shopping centre following council approval

By James Smith

9th Oct 2024 | Local News

How the new signs at Westway Shopping Centre will look (image via planning application)
How the new signs at Westway Shopping Centre will look (image via planning application)

Updated signs can now be installed at Frome's Westway Shopping Centre, after plans were approved by Somerset Council.

Maybrook Properties Ltd has been granted planning permission to replace 29 signs at the retail centre - despite an objection from Frome Civic Society.

Plans show the new logo will be a simple 'W' shape, replacing the existing bridge over water design.

The application explained: "The existing signage installed at the Westway is dilapidated and requires updating, with many graphics being outdated and signs having become weathered and torn.

"This application is to support upgrading the existing signage with new signs and a refresh on the graphics.

"The signs will be constructed from White Powder Coated Aluminium with Vinyl detail to face and have been designed by graphic designers pmwcom."

But the civic society criticised the new designs and said they were not in keeping with the local area.

"The existing giant 'lifestyle' images have never been appropriate in the historic town centre, especially on the important Cork Street elevation opposite listed Ken House," its objection said.

"The proposed banal 'SHOP, EAT, MEET, RELAX, RENEW, REVIVE' messaging with the aggressive W branding and scattering of childish 'retro' graphics would be even worse.

"This kind of signage becomes large-scale visual litter, drawing attention to itself to no practical purpose, as the Westway Centre and its businesses are very well known."

Despite this, Somerset Council signed off on the plans last week.

See the full application here.

     

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