Signs of character

Saddleworth villages are planning to say it with flowers this year - as part of a scheme to boost their image.

Some have already installed their own distinctive signs and now, helped by the local District Partnership, others have installed planters bearing their community’s name.

In Greenfield, the local Street Scene group - which raised more than £1,600 to have a specially-commissioned sign erected at Chew Valley Road - has been praised by the distinguished Village Sign Society.

Parish councillor Neil Allsopp said: “Each of our villages has its own unique character — what better than each having its own unique sign?

“Each one could carry symbols depicting the special characteristics of that village. And to show the county in which Saddleworth is located, they all should carry the white rose of Yorkshire.”

Shirley Addy, founder of the Village Sign Society which promotes the enjoyment and appreciation of signs, said: “We’re delighted Greenfield has got its own sign. The signs are emblems of local village life — or snapshots of history — and are unique to the village they represent. Greenfield’s is an excellent example.”

Village signs are believed to have been originated by Edward VII for villages around Sandringham. There are now more than 4,000 village signs in Great Britain.

For further details, see: www.villagesignsociety.org.uk or email: vss@talktalk.net