Alnwick Foundry : Cast Iron Signposts

[Vagabond]

I would have thought that all road signs, the ancient and the more recent are the property of the council. These posts were (are) made for, and on behalf of Northumberland Council , as is the case all over the UK.

Councils buy the posts and they maintain them, or they should!

As regards the more older posts - the Alnwick Foundry posts, and the Eglingham Post (above), Northumberland Council doesn`t seem to want to know (confirmed in the case of the Eglingham post). I`ve yet to find a post that has been restored by the Council. They, no doubt would argue that they don`t have the money in these cash-strapped days!

Shame though, these signposts are unique, they are a part of our heritage - our history! Thankfully, one or two of our local parish councils are becoming aware of their existence, individuals are coming forward and offering their services in their repair and restoration.

In some cases, the work itself may not be of the best, but something is better than nothing. The fact that someone actually cares, and is willing to have a go at restoring these old road signs and bringing then back to their former glory, that`s what matters! The Eglingam post is a fine example of this. Well done all those involved in the restoration of this sign post.