Victorian signs restored thanks to community effort

Black finger signage pointing in four different directions. The signs are on a white post. The sky is dark grey behind the signs
The fingerpost in Ashford Common is one of two restored by the community [BBC]

Two Victorian-era fingerposts in Surrey have been restored by the local community after they fell into disrepair.

The signposts at the junctions of Spelthorne Lane and Littleton Road, in Ashford Common, and Dockett Eddy Lane and Chertsey Road, in Shepperton, were made in Chertsey in 1900.

Restoration leader Tracy Brown, from Sunbury, said: "It's especially fitting that they are ready in time for Christmas – a gift to our local community and a celebration of saving our shared history and heritage."

The project group now wants to secure listed status for all four historic signposts that stand in the Spelthorne borough.

A woman with grey hair and glasses on her head holding onto a brown pole in front of a hedge beside a road. She is smiling at the camera
Ms Brown coordinated the restoration project after noticing the poor condition of the signs [BBC]

Craftspeople and businesses in the borough pooled their skills to repair the signage.

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A missing directional pointer was replaced with a mahogany replica made by boat engineers at Bridge Marine, a directional ornament was recreated by the local Men's Shed, and The Littleton Common Residents Association repainted all four structures.

Councillor Harry Boparai said: "I'm delighted to see the work that has been done by our community and the fingerposts look fantastic, standing proudly once again."

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