AN MP has criticised highways officials after they claimed that putting up roadside signs to direct visitors to a North Yorkshire market town would cost almost £190,000.
The Department for Transport agreed earlier this month to install the brown tourist signs pointing people towards Masham from the A1 after a campaign by Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith, who was told the price would be up to £187,000.
Transport Secretary Justine Greening has now pledged the final bill will be “substantially lower”. Mr Smith said: “I can’t understand why it should cost any more than a few hundred pounds.”
A Highways Agency spokesman said: “We will continue to work closely with the local community in Masham to find a solution for brown signs which meets their expectations and is affordable, while ensuring they fulfil their purpose.”
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