Don't mess with our sign
10:32am Friday 18th August 2006
PUBS called the Saracen's Head take their name from the Crusades - and an equally bloodthirsty battle is brewing in Highworth.
Arkell's brewery put up a sign about a year ago behind the pub and hotel, on the opposite side of the road.
But Swindon Council's planning department says the sign - which was erected without planning permission - is "detrimental to the character and street scene" and says that while it can stand on the same side as the pub, it cannot stay where it is.
But the brewery and pub landlord Adrian Mitchell have dug their heels in and launched an SOS - Save our Sign. Mr Mitchell has started a petition in favour of the sign, which is on brewery land.
Arkell's managing director James Arkell says the hand-painted wooden sign is improving safety on the road as it is on a bend and shows that there is a car park entrance on the corner.
Mr Arkell said: "The sign, which is unlit, stands in front of an ugly, but essential, electricity substation allowed on brewery land some years ago, opposite the entrance to the Saracens Head car park.
"We put the sign up as a service to customers, and we are disappointed that the planners have asked us to take it down. We've tried to persuade them but failed, but we think the planners are being unreasonable - but we don't want to be difficult.
"What we are saying is that this is a convex bend in the road and so it makes sense to have the sign on the other side."
"We believe that thriving small towns are key to the economic success of our rural communities, so we try to support and enhance the local environment.
"This decision by the planners appears to be unreasonable. The sign enhances a busy area on the road behind the hotel and adds to local road safety without compromising Highworth's Grade 2 appearance."
The Arkell family has lived in and around Highworth for more than 150 years, and Arkell's brewery has owned the pub since 1883.
Records show that The Saracen's Head was used assome kind of inn in 1825, and possibly earlier than that.
It is thought it used to be an old manor house and stands on the site of a former monastery.
A council spokesman said: "The sign is up without permission.
"Arkell's has applied twice to put it up where it is. It was put up and then retrospective permission was applied for.
"On April 4 it was granted permission to stand on the same side of the road as the pub."
The matter has now been passed to the Planning Inspectorate to decide.
- Yesterday the Adver reported that the sign at the Moonrakers pub in Cricklade Road has been replaced - without a hint of controversy.