Historic wall signs and a sundial are to be repainted at a cost of up to £1,000.

Members of Oakham Town Council and a representative of Rutland County Council recently conducted a town tour, during which town officials discussed reviving historic signs on the sides of buildings, and a sundial on the corner of High Street and Market Place.

Speaking at a recent meeting of Oakham Town Council, Cllr Paul Ainsley said: "We have had two quotes in and I proposed that we put aside a budget of £1,000 to improve the look of these signs and to cover contingencies."

Cllr Adam Lowe said: "I'm astounded that you are proposing this – you that doesn't like town criers because they are outdated, and you want to repaint some of the oldest, most outdated signs in the town – but actually, I will be happy to support this as I love the idea and I think we should go ahead and do it."

Cllr Joyce Lucas added: "I think this is one of the best things that has happened to Oakham town centre for years."

Members agreed unanimously that the council fund the project up to £1,000.

This comes as the leader of the rejected skatepark project claims that Oakham Town Council are yet to respond to his requests to once again pick up the proposal.

The rejection of the skatepark was particularly controversial, in December 2022, as those in favour of the project claimed that there were no investment in provisions for young people in Oakham.

Following this, Oakham Town Council pledged £5,000 to the statue of HM Queen Elizabeth, and agreed to spend money on signage and plant trees in Centenary Fields - the proposed location for the rejected skatepark.

This spend of £1,000 is adding to the frustrating for the local groups in favour of the skatepark, and other provisions for Oakham's youth, while others are delighted that the money is being invested in the appearance of Rutland's historic county town.

What do you think?

Get in touch and let us know by emailing [email protected].