Talybont-On-Usk

Talybont-on-Usk

Appendix 4 Database of Signs and condition Appendix 3 Summary report of findings Appendix 2 Survey Questionnaireand Interview Schedule Appendix 1 Acknowledgements and list ofconsultees Map 6 New pedestrian signsand entry village signs Map 5 New directional parking signs through the Village Map 4 Signs from A40 Map 3 Reservoir Signs Map 2 Henry Vaughan Walk Map 1 Existing Signs Conclusion and Recommendations Funding Streams available SWOT Analysis of Talybont What’s on Offer in Talybont Design Considerations Findings Our approach and what we did Outputs We agreed What we were asked to do and Introduction What’s On? Informing the visitor on foot or cycle Improving the ofSense Arrival and welcome Directing Visitors into the Village Highways and TrunkRoads Walks and Trails Signs Audit Visitor Survey

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BreconBeaconsNational Park. wider theandarea of knowledge increasetheir andexperience visitor enhancethe createimpressionfirst on and lasting a good visitors; activities,directto visitors walksetc facilities, intheand villagesurrounding area; or residents direct traffic the correct to congestion; the avoid areas of to Village inconveniencing without businesses tourism increasingtrafficjust unnecessary passing by through; local support to directsafelytheVillage into visitors for the purposethem to of enjoy the area;

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Usk Tourism (ToUT) as part of its response to bring to response its of part as (ToUT) Tourism Usk

What we were asked to do for visitors andidentifyforvisitors prioritiesforaction working togethercollaboratively”. Talybont the of potential tourism the develop “to aims their with line in and ToUT of direction future the in assisting in useful be would work the highlight extent to arriving prior information available to visitors of thein area. This pre profiling scan previous to and to area add the to in useful undertaken it considered also team consultant The        need Studyreport would include: to the theobjectives, achieve to agreed2012,that we July in meetinginceptionheld the In

we have had a day day a had have we

travel but we feel feel we but travel “We love it here. here. it love “We Its not too far to to far too not Its out. It’s just so so just It’s out. Potential funding toPotential funding assist with furtherdevelopment. Recommendations fornext steps; analysis;SWOT A proposals; andrecommendationsdesign legalimplicationsofHighways and of Consideration visitor followedsignageeachas to is sign the destination; to relation in provided be will which etc. activities attractions, facilities, ie ‘product’ tourism as well as way of rights public bridleways, canal, the routes, cycle as such information/signage relevant their and routes of analysis and map A conditions A mappingof currentall signs; Google EarthXLS, PDFandprovidedformatsbe in compatible; be will It signage. destination and roads trunk on signs highway signs directional park, car signs, white and brown include will which area the within signs visitor all of information contextual and photographic digitalised comprising database A friendly and and friendly unspoiled”.

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Outputs we agreed to deliver In producing the study our approach was to concentrate on:

(i) Highway signage including brown on white signs  Particularly from the A40 approach towards the Village which was seen as the main route for visitors. (ii) Welcome Signage  Potential installation of a welcome sign at the riverbridge at River Usk;

 T Junction Station Road/B4558;

 Signs from Pencelli and Llangynydir directions;

 Signs from the canal. (iii) Cycle and Walk Routes  Signage from village to Talybont Reservoir, waterfalls, Taff Trail, cycle route 8  Henry Vaughan Garden/Walk;

 Signs on canal by lift bridge indicating walking and cycling times;

 Other signs – bird hide information, Village hall signage, parking directional signage, nature and wildlife signage.

Our first task was to read relevant studies: A Strategic and Action Plan for Sustainable Tourism in the Brecon Beacons produced in November 2011, The Talybont-on-Usk Sustainable Tourism Action Plan and the Talybont-on-Usk Tourism Transport Management Plan. We also reviewed minutes of Community and County Council meetings and information on the Brecon Beacons Tourism website to help us with direction and strategic context for the study.

We produced a list of key stakeholders to contact for information needed on signage and to keep them informed (Appendix 1). An online and paper-based visitor questionnaire/interview schedule (Appendix 2) helped us gauge visitor perceptions on the areas of investigation and was used in the survey visits during August 2012.

The signs audit was undertaken in six visits to the Village in July and August. This involved photographing the position, condition and information displayed on each highway and pedestrian sign, interpretation and other signage – including waymarker posts in and around the Village. Map 1 on page 5 provides an illustration.

We contacted the Trunk Roads Agency Mid and North Wales to find out about signage Our Approach and what we did we and what Approach Our from A40 and the Highways Department of Powys County Council regarding B road signage. We also contacted the Community and County Councillors once we had some firm ideas, for their comments and support. 4 Visitor Survey

We interviewed 115 people as part of the visitor survey, asking them distance of travel and mode of transport to the Village, where they had parked if driving, the reason for their visit and the facilities or services used. We wanted to know their views on directional signage to the Village and other signs that would be useful to them when finding their way around. We also asked about information visitors had made use of such as the new visitor map, information leaflets from the Information Point, interpretation etc. and we also asked about what signs were missing that could be useful from both pre-visit and on arrival perspectives. We asked visitors to comment

on whether or not they had received a welcome from people and businesses in Findings Talybont-on-Usk. The Full visitor survey report is given as Appendix 3 but the summary of findings are provided below helped to form our conclusions and recommendations for the next stages.

 There was a broad range of distances travelled to the Village – the largest category with 21 parties travelling between 51 and 100 miles. Parties travelling less than 10 miles accounted for around 14% of visitors.

 All ages were targeted during the surveys to ensure a broad view across interests. We observed there to be a larger 30s and 40s category than over 50s (23%), teens (14%) and 20s (22%). More older people were observed during quieter weekdays than young groups.

 Of the 61 males and 54 females, couples and groups of between 3 and 10 (but mainly 4-6) were the predominant groupings interviewed.

 A Day trip was given as the reason for visiting by the largest number of respondents (27%) with weekend breaks, passing by and camping weekends being joint second responses (18%).

 Cars were the most used methods of getting to the Village (42.3%).

 The view of signage was mixed – 31% of respondents saying useful or very useful whilst the same percentage didn’t know or used a sat nav. 19% found signage not very useful.

 Drivers indicated they parked on the road or in the White Hart car park – and were observed to be using pub facilities. Each group or individual interviewed was advised of Henderson Hall as the preferred place to park in the Village.

 Many respondents brought their own maps and information – certainly cyclist groups and canoeists were better prepared. The majority of those interviewed had not noticed additional information available and few had used the information point or map.

 Pubs, Canal, Café/Post Office/Shop were the top three facilities used by visitors

 Additional signage suggested by visitors included directional signage into the village, pedestrian signage along the canal, indicating cycling time/walking time between villages, Taff Trail and reservoir/ waterfalls signage.

 Visitors felt more pre-visit information was needed – particularly web-based information. Some difficulties had been experienced in finding B&B, campsite and hotel accommodation.

 Comments regarding the feel and welcome of visitors to the village were positive.5 MAP 1

Signs Audit

All signs were photographed and embedded into a database (Appendix 4) with their condition monitored and locations mapped. Some of the wooden waymarker signs along the canal appeared to be showing signs of age, certainly bases of posts had suffered from regular strimming and were rotting because of damp conditions. Whilst the waymarker signs indicated direction to the Brinore Tram Road, and Taff Trail, they did not indicate Findings distance.

Of the 81 signs audited in the area, most were in good condition. All signs were geo-tagged using a software called Picassa. Most can be seen from Google Maps. Six road traffic and one cycle route signpost were not bilingual whereas the majority complied with Powys CC Welsh Language policy.

Visibility from the road was good for most of the signs except for the Talybont entry (taly018) which was in fair condition, the road sign along Station Road, being broken and the two Highways village entry signs from the Pencelli direction where one is missing (Taly038) and the other obscured by trees (Taly037). There appeared, from the audit and from the visitors survey, not to be any directional or pedestrian signs requiring removal or were confusing to visitors. Comments from the Community Council in September indicated agreement that signage at the head of Station Road required streamlining; that an additional sign would be useful to indicate that buses should not use the draw bridge and a double-sided sign could be installed close to the draw bridge indicating distance to the reservoir. Certainly this final point is borne out from the visitor survey.

Walking the Trails and Towpath

To take a visitor perspective of the main walks traversing the Village, the consultant

team walked the main routes traversing the Village. We had been asked on several occasions about the direction to Taff Trail from the Village – indicating that there was some confusion as to whether or not it followed the canal towpath or not. We followed the information, interpretation and way markers to the Henry Vaughan Garden and then around the circular walk to check ease of use and whether there was need for vegetation or infrastructure improvements along the route. The Brinore

Tram Road was also followed to the Reservoir. Findings Taff Trail The Taff Trail , in its south east to north west journey to Brecon, travels off road on the east perimeter of the Talybont Reservoir and follows the unnamed B road into Canol Pentre before entering the Village from the draw bridge. The route continues along the B4558 out of the Village. During the survey, a number of visitors asked about its direction out of the Village and some were

confused as to whether or not to use the Towpath for part of the journey.

Brinore Tram Road The Tram Road runs for 8 miles between Talybont-on-Usk and Trefil. It is accessed from White Hart Bridge no 143. It was observed to be heavily bordered by bracken which narrowed the track to less than 1 metre in parts of the route towards the Reservoir. It is cobbled and uneven but the gradient fairly gentle for people with average walking abilities. It would not appear to be suitable for prams, pushchairs or wheelchairs. The Tram Road is overseen By a Conservation Forum which was set up in 1999 and has a management plan in place to secure the long-term sustainability of biodiversity, landscape, culture and tourism potential of the area. More emphasis of the Brinore Tram Road could be beneficial to the Village.

Walking the Trails and Towpath

Monmouth to Brecon Canal towpath

Findings

This 35 mile long canal, managed by the Canal and River Trust, follows alongside the

B4558 and through the Village, taking in the 142 Graig Las, 143 White Hart, 144 Talybont

drawbridge and out to 145 Beniah Bridge. The walks are gentle and well trodden by walkers and cyclists. Visitors using longboats can stop within the Village to take on water and we understand the longboat hire companies provide plenty of information on all the villages along the canal to encourage them to use the facilities all villages offer.

Brecon Beacons National Park have produced an excellent map of the “What we could stretch from Brecon and observed to being used by visitors using the do with is canal towpath. information along

The Canal and River Trust (Formerly British Waterways) is responsible for the towpath that is similar to this installation and maintenance of signage along the Monmouthshire and [Brecon Beacons Brecon Canal and one sign appeared to be dated and out of character for map]. It’s the area, although it is in keeping with the black and white theme of the excellent Trust. The consultant team contacted various officers in the new Trust to especially with discover that a re-branding exercise was being undertaken with existing little ones who signs expected to be re-vamped with new overlays. When asked about keep asking how installation of initial design ideas we had developed, there appeared to be far it is to the next some general support for the idea and more information was requested. stop”. Additional information was also provided on new finger-post designs the Trust is installing. These do not address distances but are more durable than wooden posts. The Community Council felt there not to be a need for signage along the towpath and any signs would need to keep to a rural feel. 9 reflective spot with benches and trees. It is only a shorta distance only quiet, a is It is Garden and trees. Vaughan benches with Henry spot The reflective muddy. is this of some and land farming traverse does but walk to easy is route The Usk’. the of Swan ‘the representing clearly waymarkers and interpretation distinctive with out markedis route The 2) (Map Valley. Talybont the of landscape poetic and historic scenic, the through miles 3.5 some walk memory.hasbeenA his dedicated to It is a gentleof stroll in writing life Llansantffraidwhereburied now he . is his of much spent He Court. of Inns the with apprenticeship poetic VaughanHenry Walk The sign. welcome a of terms Council’s Community view thatthis is is a not priority. in be could signage additional consider would We Talybont However, Pencelli. possibly and Llanfrynach of true be to this know We villages. various in arrived had they them tell to path tow the alonginformation of lack the to referred interviewed, we walkers Several h gres r nw u o pit n pras oehn TU cud ae con o ti when this of account take could ToUT something perhaps and theirdeveloping marketing plan. print of out now are gardens the andwalk promoting the leaflets appearsthat clearlytheIt restthesigned. route was of uprooted, whilst way one only be to appeared there walk the Throughout Village. the to back reservoir the from travelling or biking mountain if especially missed, easily quite well very signposted isn't but Canal the along Bridge Hart White the from

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Findings MAP 2 Henry Vaughan Walk

11 Talybont Reservoir Following the Brinore Tramroad to the Reservoir is a treat, enhanced by interpretation and it being a quiet off-road incline not too far a distance from the Village. It can be

rewarded with a hot or cold snack and drinks at the Dan y Wenallt National Park Study Centre which is open until 5pm most days. Noticeably at this venue, there is plenty of information about attractions in and around the Brecon Beacons but nothing was available about Talybont-on-Usk. Some of those interviewed in the visitor survey were

unaware of what was available in Talybont-on-Usk. Findings

A ‘Friends’ or volunteers group has come together to concern themselves with improvements to the environment and biodiversity of the Reservoir. They indicated to us the clutter of poor signage at the far end of the road over the dam. Some of it installed by the Forestry Commission. They suggested signage was required to reduce off-roading taking place in the hills above. They were also concerned about the warning signs by the Pump House being an eyesore and supported ToUT for additional signage from A40 to bring visitors to the Reservoir. Map 3 illustrates the current signage and interpretation for visitors around the Reservoir.

The Blaen-y-Gwyn Waterfalls are close to Talybont-on-Usk but not properly signposted or promoted locally, though visitors have a general idea they are somewhere near the reservoir. Signage from the Reservoir indicates the proximity of waterfalls but can easily be missed when following the road alongside the Reservoir which eventually leads to the County of Merthyr Tydfil. Talybont is home to a Forestry Commission Field Station which provides technical survey work. The Centre could be a useful resource for all local groups in the area looking to monitor biodiversity, woodland and nature. Water is a significant resource in Talybont-on-Usk where, apart from the canal, the Caerfanell and Usk Rivers run through the Village. 12 MAP 3 Reservoir Signage

13 Highways and Trunk Roads

The Talybont-on-Usk Tourism Group had specifically requested us to investigate the possibility of better signage from the A40. In our signs audit we counted four directional signs on the A40 north and south approaches to the Talybont-on-Usk turning. Whilst this has been considered insufficient locally, the Trunk Roads Mid and North Wales office consider there to be sufficient signage to direct drivers. They stated the purpose of signage not to be of promotion of facilities but for safe direction of vehicles. Whereas an argument exists that some lesser villages and attractions have been signposted along A Roads, the regulations and advice notes have recently changed which precludes any further signage from the A40 into the Talybont Village. Findings

The signs audit did count four directional signs on the north and south approaches to the Talybont-on- Usk turning. These signs do not list any attractions or facilities that would normally be signposted using brown and white signage. In order for future brown on white signage to be considered the following criteria must be met:

 the attraction/facility must be recognised by Visit Wales and a letter of support available for inspection;

 appropriate licenses and accredited body recognition must support the attraction/facility;

 visitor numbers must be recorded (although there is no minimum qualifying number of visitors in Powys unlike other counties in Wales);

 signage can only be installed on trunk roads if there is sufficient and appropriate signage on adjacent local road networks;

 signage must be bilingual with Welsh above English;

 additional maps and leaflets must be available to promote the attraction/facility.

During the audit, we visited the pull-in along the A40, close to the Talybont-on-Usk turning and observed a large number of people stopping to use the facilities and picnic area. In this area is a BBNP map and information board and the consultant team considered it useful for promotional information to be made available in this area.

Comments from some visitors questioned the usefulness of additional signage: ... “What would be on offer if there were more visitors to the Village?” Another suggested the reason they came to the area was its unspoiled and natural look and feel. They considered more visitors would detract from the

naturalness of the Village. 14 MAP 4 Trunk Road Signage

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Design Considerations Map 5

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Design Considerations insufficient space available on the bank or to the side of the directional signs tobe signs the directional of side is the there sign to Bridge wouldinstalled. Thealso obscure viewLlangynydirapproach.fromthe or and information bank the changing on of available terms space in insufficient Highways by raised be could safety personal issues but Junction T the at be would board On What’s the for spot ideal The as cinema), clutter. contribute to (such events particular which etc media colours, of styles plethora the reduce should indicate and facilities or attractions to symbols recognised nationally use could signs of range A shown). size the (half 600mm post than or wider any wall be to need be not does can and mounted sign The board. the slotted be onto to information of items six for allows in board one white simple This the here. shown Abergavenny to similar board display On ‘What’s a of design a considered has team consultant The 3. 2. 1. Other locationsare:suitable

advertise events activitiesadvertise and in thearea. remove informalsigns. all overallpresentationPowys signs. whendisplaying CouncilCounty has everyright to someto rationalise this thereextent a need tobut is forbusinesses beof themindful forwardandbyPowysCC willBBNP sign toilet proposal takenbeing Village.TheVillage Hall/Parking and favourable a with entrytheinto does not presentRoad thevisitor atjunction TheT the headStation of What’s On?

Wall mounted on the Bus stop in the village on the opposite side to the Community Council on thegreen Council mounted Post the areaMountain Bike to andmap adjacent Community the to side opposite the on village the information board in stop Bus the on mounted Wall BBNP style map) old an housing (Currently wall side stop/toilets Bus Hart White the on mounted Wall

There are, There locationshowever, few into good the village

Design Considerations There are limitations to each suggested location that must be considered. A 1000mm x 800mm board would fit on the

White Hart bus stop/toilet wall if the BBNP map was placed onto the front of the bus stop. This would be highly visible to drivers coming into the Village from the A40 or B4558. BBNP may consider there to be a safety issue in placing the map to the front of the bus stop. Alternatively, a smaller sign could be situated alongside the BBPN map.

The village bus stop, opposite the shop/Post Office/café has informal community information within it and as this is a good local resource, it should remain available and not disturbed by a new What’s On sign which can be added to the right hand side wall. If the downpipe on the bus stop—which was is in need of repair, could be moved to the side elevation, this would create more space for the board and be easier to use and see.

If the downpipe was moved to the side elevation of the bus stop, this would create more space for the board and be easier to use. However, for pedestrians and users of the bus, the signs would be quite visible but information would be less clear to see for drivers coming from the Pencelli direction.

A post mounted board would be useful if placed close to the Mountain Biking sign –

although it would be useful to consider is similar design shape (tubular blue posts) to be Considerations Design in keeping or there is danger of a cluttered appearance. The angle for this is also important so that drivers using the bridge and coming from Pencelli will be able to see what is displayed.

Businesses could use the symbols in their promotional material or display on their premises and signs. This could reduce clutter and develop greater sign coherence through the Village. A few suggestions are provided above. The negative aspect of this What’s On design is that slotted in signs could be removed too easily by vandals because they are not locked into position.

The What’s on sign has been costed at: £296.00 excluding VAT by DMA Signs. This would be for 1200mm x 80mm dibond board with shaped top and ticket rails fabricated from dibond strips to take 6 x 1mm inserts, applied vinyl text to header and footer. 24 collaboratively” and ”to make it easier for visitors to find their way around by providing good by providing around way their find to visitors for thisinformation”.In regard emailedwe a brief all questionnaireto the easier it make ”to the and collaboratively” to “work to is link Group Tourism the of remit The to visiting. when facility one than more potential use generally visitors the have or date,coherence. consistent,acrossa senseto linkedand gives the of know activities we survey Fromour linked are that pre providing by experience visitor the websites enhance to is site Talybontonusk.com highlighting of purpose The Www.visitbreconbeacons.com Www.mbwales.com Www.powystrails.org.uk Www.travelbreconbeacons.info www.traveline www.ukcampsites.co.uk www.british www.go4awalk.com www.breconcottages.com www.visitourbeacons.com Talybont www.breconbeaconstourism.co.uk visitourto is beacons.com. www.breconbeacons.org www.exploremidwales.co.uk Talybont in facilities and activities advertise to potential the having or advertising, websites Other    Our findobservationsus websites ledthe to followingpromoting the area: presentedavailable no only oneswith ebooking very facility. limited or websites havenot did businesses ofthe particular some in and websitesvia available on Taking visitors. to available informationoflotanot therewas thethat survey, thecommentsduring of some facilities board the at look to us enabled work our of Part What onoffer is in Talybont

promote local eventspromotelocal www.talybontfarmcamping.co.ukhave nolink to andTalybontonusk.com not do to www.Uskinn.co.uk, www.breconbunkhouse.co.uk(White HartInn), links www.Creativephotographywales.com,www.travellersrestinn.co.uk, is but buriedwebsite andhadthewrong datefor theShow. Talybont the to links Www.talybontenergy.co.uk events. local promote not do but search) www.starinntalybont.co.uk, Talybont.org and alybontonusk.com Www.talybontstores.co.uk, maximise to identifyanda to hits wideroffer their patrons forof service. together events local promote and site Talybontonusk.com the to White the campsite, Farm Talybont reciprocallinkcreatea businesses linked could the of Each Energy. Inn,Talybont Hart, Usk The Rest, The Travellers Hire, The Canal Inn, Beacons Star Brecon Hire, Boat Wye Canal Stores, Pencelli Talybont Centre, Hughes, Canoe Valley Jo Chapman, Harry Forster, Nigel ie local businesses to hyperlinking and promoting website good A Www.talybontonusk.com - on - on - Usk - towns.net - Usk include:Usk - cymru.info — no local events.no local

poor events no website forTalybontinformation Talybont

not classed as a good website for information on information for website good a as classed not - on - Usk page Usk –

omnt cucl pg 4 n Google a in 4 (page council community - on — no link to Talybontonusk.com link Talybontonusk.com to link no - Usk

25 - - visit information that is up is that information visit on

- Usk

Visitor Experience businesses in Talybont on Usk, asking them to identify ways in which they could support ToUT in promoting tourism and information on numbers of visitors and how they collect information. Our results were nil! One respondent provided limited information

something close to their interest and refused to answer any further questions. Our interpretation of this result is that there is more work to be done to achieve collaborative working across the businesses because they do not appear to recognise the benefits of collective promotions—or they may not have the time. We believe this to be an important role for ToUT— members of which have businesses and could

directly address. SWOT

Strengths Weaknesses  Clear aims of the Group which provide an offer to businesses  A number of other active groups in the area is there and residents as well as visitors; sufficient collaborative working?

 Support of Brecon Beacons National Park Authority  Lack of consistent promotion of the village through local business websites or leaflets which could be availa-  Signage is in general good order ble in Tourist Information Centres.  Talybont-on-Usk Website is a good start to developing the  Reliance on external funding—focus on larger scale, information hub necessary to promote the Village strategic issues rather than small, practical and achieva-  Knowledge of visitor perception of the area to draw on ble measures to make incremental improvements.

 No A40 signage currently and no chance of this from current regulatory guidance

Opportunities Threats

 Links and collaborative funding bids could be developed with  Lack of promotion of the Village externally through TICs other active groups with complementary aims and objectives  Funding to realise ambitions  Opportunity to enhance image and profile of village based on  Competing views and activities of active groups within walking wheels and water limited financial resources  Local businesses can discuss and agree a level of mutual promotion of the area so that they are not seen to compete but offer a ‘whole package’.

 Could concentrate on small practical issues to enhance visitor experience as well as larger, more strategic.

 Walks, canal, presence of the Village

 Opportunity to build brown and white sign profile over the next couple of years to encourage formal signing from trunk and B roads.

 Branding required to develop consistency in signage and street furniture livery

developing leaflets or contributing toleaflets ordeveloping contributing Website the could work. to response collective a promote to activities therefore community the with involved become to people encourage to available still grants funding are there and achieved be could signage and interpretation include could which projects wildlife or environmental on others with working place, of sense the enhancing However, obligations. statutory of realms the within and funding for priority a as seen be not would Signage progress. attract could ToUT of already think list a small we have funding identified have who we study, Council transport the Community and study this the in ToUT and assisted Glasu Beacons, Brecon from Apart more funding. targeted to approaches In funding. match or tighter be provide to appearthere and funds grant for to competition heavy is there cases most need a often is there BIG), (ie UK the across generally open are is Tourism for funding which that schemes grant general from Apart and businesses. and enterprises in towards focused engaged is ToUT activities of type the over an not is There [email protected] Powys www.tourism.powys.org/sense_of_place Powys County Council www.biglotteryfund.org.uk BIG Lottery BIG lottery www.environment Environment Wales www.wales.gov.uk/funding/fundgrantareas Visit Wales

Source

wales.org.uk - abundance of funding available ito ToUT. Partly this is because of because is this Partly ToUT. ito available funding of abundance

ment fund Communityenable- with iSpeed and B2N vantages to linking RDP Possibly ad- Sustainable Tourism People & Communities Awards for All training, mgt and pro- Various pre Support Fund (TISS) Tourism Investment

Programme

—

- project,

eedn uo wa atvte te ws to wish they activities what upon dependent

provide sense of place, increase New existing and businessesto enterprisescial essentially for businesses or so- ofSense place, green tourism hancing local environments, com- Revitalising communities; en- Supporting community activity Various

Criteria

–

up to £300k 25% of funding Up to £15k matching £5k 70% fund- £5001 £500 £500 - -

- £5000 £12k

£1m £

Funding td cud ep n ute soig u or nta ies o te ecm ad village and welcome entrysigns the for ideas initial our out scoping further in help could study branding The Village. the into arrival, of sense the increasing in merit be would There show to able be to distancesbetween the villages. and gardens and trail Vaughan Henry Road, Tram Brinore Trail, Taff reservoir, the to path tow canal the off visitors directing of terms in be to appears signage additional only the but road main the off park to visitors direct to needed help Theresurrounding issues some are directionthefromStationandvillagethen into Road thereservoir, canal or rivers. of type they the be waterways, the and using or cycling nature walking, around is unspoiled enjoy to come and they activity natural its of appreciation an is There visit. Talybont with happy very generally are visitors findings, our From promoteTalybont tobeing them of one interests, shared with members includeCouncil Community the as well as gardens and walk Vaughan Henry the supporting for responsible the Brinore group the and the of Reservoir, Forum Conservation Tramway the Friends as such Groups businesses. and visitors both to beneficial be would bidding joint and material promotional or newsletters joint websites, linked through simply Pre de also advertising could increase areas. andtobrown It of symbols increase the use white and coherence. signing informal rationalise to serve would board events or On What’s A ultimately those thepull are which businesses from at visitors to available made be could effort information More signs. tourist the for paying and to subscribing collaborative and consistent a require would this But signs. white on brown install to Agency Roads Trunk to argument evidenced and supported nationally the of use increase could symbols recognised a onwhite reducesigns,brown the coherenceto of clutter andlead increased However, time. this at contemplated be cannot A40 from Signage be could uses other if see to agreedforintendedthe money Council forthereplacement wooden planter. Community the with speak could ToUT plants. the replacing treatment some needs planter and sign welcome The Trust. Rivers and Village the in already signage and brands with harmonise Conclusion - visit information is patchy for businesses and facilities in the area. Increased collaborative working collaborative Increased area. the in facilities and businesses for patchy is information visit - in on A40. in — taking intotaking account the activities people alreadytryandto do to -

- Usk and all itandall Usk hasto offer visitors.

— such as MTB Brecon Beacons and the Canals the and Beacons Brecon MTB as such - on

- Usk as a place to place a as Usk — ie by having a larger sign and sign larger a having by ie 28

- lte te popular the clutter

Next Steps

            Recommended Actions

ecm sg coe ad udn i pae o install Talybont for option an as to bench place in funding and chosen sign welcome of type of made decision once Trust Rivers and Canals in Morgan David Contact andlink TramwithRoad ideas; their tourism Brinore promote to Forum Conservation Road Tram Brinore with Communicate for funding obtaining area, the promote to materials; promotional others with bid All eg for on Awards embark and funding place of sense enhance to available funding Scope replaceto PowysCC Station andmissing Road signs village blue entry sign; directionaland fromStation signs Road towardsHenderson Hall; of installation their for Council County Powys chase to Beacons Brecon or ToUT onc wt Hny aga Wl ad adn (ee Saa) o dniy as n hc new which in ways identify to Seaman) (Peter Gardens and Walk Vaughan Henry with Connect of on thelist refurbishments area;Talybont in norg te t rcpoae y detsn vlae vns A oT ebr ol b given be could forthisresponsibility linkactivityand to with wider andwebsites.. memberTICs ToUT A events. village advertising by reciprocate to them encourage Talybontonusk.com websitelinktheand with businesses to brand,chosenencourageall the Using found canbe locations toaccommodate additionalmaterial); promotional better if Village) the within and A40 (on maps existing of revamp their during BBNP with Identify a temporarybanners;boardand printed slotted into made be could which recyclate product post of source a has team Consultant (the model the test to materials sourced locally of use make or board, On What’s the produce to funding Identify and events are canwhich be activities promotedandtherefore byFCW benefit the there Village; whether identify to Station Field Commission Forestry the with Connect DanincludeConnect y to Wenallt with theinformation aboutVillage their in information centre; the to signage waterfallsandimprove thenatural environment; provide could bids funding joint as well as others and Commission Forestry the of lobbying joint whether identify to group volunteers Reservoir the of Friends the with Connect material canpromotional developed thatwill be benefit groups all and enhance theoffer; visitor

- on -

Usk. Find out if installation of finger of installation if out Find Usk.

— ics interpretation discuss

posts is posts

Next Steps Acknowledgements

Our thanks go to Carol Williams of BBNP and the Talybont-on-Usk Tourism Group for giving us the opportunity to undertake this work and for your kindness and patience whilst preparing the report. We have engaged with quite a number of people, not least the visitors who have such high regard for the Village but also the people and organisations listed below for their help, advice and encouragement:

 Community and County Councillors via Katy Tutt, Clerk to the Community Council, Katy Tutt Tel: 01873 810733 or Mob: 07968 737833

 David Morgan, Canals and Rivers Trust Mobile 07717730903

 Dean Williams Trunk Roads Agency North and Mid Wales Unit 7 Llys Onnen, Ffordd Yllyn, Parc Menai, Bangor Tel 01286 685186/180

 Jo Lancey and Ian Mills Powys CC Highways Department 0845 607 6060 01874 611277 joanne.lancey@powys.

 Peter Seaman of Brinore Tram Road and Friends of the Reservoir groups [email protected]

 DMA Signs for estimates and quotations for signs—contact: 07738 409909 P O Box 103 Pontypridd CF37 9DZ

 Road Signs Direct—signs costings Daniel in [email protected]

 Peter Jackson and Phil Jackson re car parking meters in Powys [email protected]; [email protected]; 01874 620574

Jan Walsh

Business Director

Cotyledon Community Interest Company Ltd

October 1st 2012