A VISION to install boundary signs to welcome people as they enter the Craven district is nearing completion now that planning applications have been submitted.

The signs have been designed by local artist Mary Woolf and aim to promote Craven and raise awareness of the district.

Where possible, the signs, which require advertisement consent, will be located on existing sign posts, either underneath or on the back of existing signs.

In total, 18 signs were agreed by members of Craven District Council’s planning committee, at an estimated cost of around £18,000, including design, manufacture and installation.

They are being paid for by the Great Place: Lakes and Dales (GPLD) project, which itself is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England.

If the planning applications are successful it is hoped that the signs will be installed by early September ahead of the Yorkshire 2019 UCI Road World Championship, which starts on September 22 in Harrogate and will see the best professional cyclists in the world race through Craven.

Councillor Simon Myers, Craven District Council’s lead member for Enterprising Craven, said: “I’m delighted with these wonderful designs, which reflect the stunning landscapes of our district.

“We are lucky to live in a beautiful place and we want to raise awareness of the district and ensure that visitors know when they are entering Craven.

“This is part of a range of initiatives to attract and retain more families and young people to the area and highlight Craven as a great place to live, work and visit.”

The GPLD project is being led by Craven District Council, in partnership with South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), and the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Park Authorities, and aims to use art, culture and heritage to attract and retain young people to live and work in the Lakes and Dales.

Artist Mary, aged 24 and based in Settle, is a GPLD creative champion. She said: “This commission has been a great opportunity to create artwork about the Craven landscape, a landscape which greatly inspires me. It has also been a great first commission and boost for the beginning of my art career.”