'Widely treasured' street signs in area of Watford restored

Work to restore Victorian plates, which councillors say "reflect the history of the town's heritage" were completed in Nascot ward last week.

Street signs were restored in Alexandra Road, Birch Tree Walk, Broom Grove, Hampden Way, Keston Mews, Langley Road, Malden Road and Stratford Road.

Ward councillor Mark Hofman says the signs are an "important" part of the conservation area’s heritage; for instance, it is believed Stratford Road was named after its connection to the Worshipful Company of Salters, whose listed alms-houses stand at the northern end of the road, bordering Church Road.

Newly restored Stratford Road street sign

Cllr Hofman added: "The heritage street signs are part of the history of the Nascot estate. They reflect the character of the area and as Liberal Democrats we feel it is extremely important to protect and preserve these symbols of our past and restore them to their former glory.

"The Victorian-era street signs are a collection of significant heritage value that are still widely treasured since they provide a unique source of information on late nineteenth century Watford."

Hampden Way before and after

His colleague Cllr Tom Osborn said: "The restoration works have uncovered the superb nineteenth century workmanship that still lasts to this day. The plates had become nearly illegible due to their age.

"Now we hope residents will have more heritage assets to enjoy as they move around the area, and find their way round more easily too."

Langley Road before

Langley Road after

The restoration works were funded both Nascot councillors along with their colleague Mark Watkin from their neighbourhood locality budget.

The restoration was carried out by Murrill Construction Ltd, which also carried out restoration work on street signs in Oxhey earlier this year.