Anger over ‘garish’ new pub sign

Jun 13 2008 by Naomi Dunning, Chester Chronicle

THE new sign outside The Swan in Tarporley has been branded “cheap and garish” and villagers want it removed.

The sign was put up two weeks ago but has already caused controversy.

Staff at the pub are now asking customers to contact the brewery directly because they have had so many complaints.

The parish council has already taken swift action over the sign and discussed it at Monday’s meeting. All councillors agreed it was not appropriate for the village.

Parish council clerk John MacDonald said he had already written to Vale Royal Borough Council to find out if they have the power to remove it, and councillors plan to write to Cains brewery to complain.

Parish councillor Linda Burrows said: “In my opinion it is awful. It makes what was a coach house look like a cheap ale house.”

Barbara Turner, who lives in Tarporley, said: “It is horrible. What was wrong with the old sign?

“I understand there are other bright signs in the village, but The Swan is special and it is a shame to put such a garish sign outside.”

Tarporley artist and sign writer Peter Willis painted some of the previous signs at the Swan Hotel.

He said: “I agree with many of the comments about the new sign outside the Swan Hotel. It is out of place in the village.”

Chief executive of Cains, Sudarghara Dusanj, said they wanted the sign to complement the hotel and the village.

He said: “The Swan is going to be one of our flagship pubs. We did take into consideration the village and The Swan itself and we feel we designed the sign appropriately. It is not one of our larger signs, and we decided to keep the original sign above it.”