ROADS AND STREET FURNITURE
Clyro Community and Village Design Statement
Highways
The main road clipping Clyro to the south, passes through one of the natural splendours of Britain, namely the Wye Valley.
This must be considered when road lighting, signs, directions and furniture are concerned. The problem can be seen on page 5 in the middle illustration. Do the signs enhance the site? The illustrations on page 19 show the A438 as it passes Clyro. Each drawing is of signs that are placed a few walking paces from each other. Much information must be understood in rapid succession by the motorist.
A coordinated plan is required that recognises not only safety but design quality. Such clutter, like litter, can offend. This road is part of the village and adds to or subtracts from the quality of life. A public highway requires not only safety but attractiveness. Nature provides in abundance a rich variety of wild flowers and plants for free. This natural providence is made barren by unnecessary and unsympathetic cutting.
A management plan needs to be devised that allows for the natural cycle of the seasons to benefit the village. One of the dangers of departmentalised planning is the inappropriateness of street furniture to location. This can result in the invasion of a country site by what is only appropriate to an urban site. The Countryside Council for Wales should be consulted on these matters.
A body like the Clyro Village Forum needs to be maintained to bring together local and expert consultation to deal with the ongoing issues of village design and enhancement.
Roads and signs
A proliferation of road signs that confuse rather than help travellers and locals alike, spoils the entrance to and the very character of the village.
There are some 50 signs along the A438 and other minor roads to and from the village.
