New sign in Grantham points the way to a better visitor experience

A new sign has been unveiled in Grantham as part of a South Kesteven District Council project to support local businesses by boosting the number of visitors to the town.

The large wayfinding board-style sign was installed in St Peter's Hill last week.

According to the council, there's evidence that other towns across the UK installing these types of signs have reported a rise in footfall for small businesses, as visitors are encouraged to spend more time and, therefore more money, exploring an area.

New signs have been put up in three of the district's market towns - Grantham, Stamford and Bourne - to highlight the retail, cultural and leisure facilities as well as historic sites.

The signposting project is funded by SKDC, with support from Bourne and Stamford town councils, Bourne Business Club, Deepings Business Club, Stamford Civic Society and train operator, London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

SKDC Cabinet Member for Growth, Coun Helen Goral, said: "We are very lucky to have so much to offer in all four of our market towns, the whole of South Kesteven is just brimming with rich history and heritage.

"I hope that by enabling visitors to our towns to find their way around, and learn a bit more about what we have to offer, we can improve their experience and encourage more people to visit, supporting our local shops and businesses as they spend their time exploring what we have to offer."

The programme of work has been delivered by InvestSK, the SKDC's economic growth and regeneration company.

Steve Bowyer, CEO at InvestSK, said: "I'm pleased that InvestSK was able to lead this collaborative project between South Kesteven District Council and LNER to deliver a high-quality scheme of signage that enhances public spaces in our towns.

"By investing in more detailed maps and signage in our market towns, we're hoping to see an increase in footfall which will be good for local businesses and our attractions, as well as encouraging a wider variety of companies to set up here.

"It will also showcase to local people how much South Kesteven has to offer and give them a sense of the special character of the place.

Coun Goral added that the council was grateful to all the partners who supported the project: "Often, it is by working together that we can deliver something that really benefits our district.

"We have much to celebrate in South Kesteven, hopefully the new signs will help us to shout about it a little bit louder."