Say it with flowers. That is the view of Castle Point Council which is preparing to welcome visitors to Benfleet with a unique sign.

The pretty new "Welcome" sign was dreamed up by council bosses.

But instead of the word being printed on the official sign, it is to be spelt out in flowers underneath. Castle Point director of technical services Nigel Thomas said: "We are all delighted it is now in place."

Sign of the times : council parts manager Alec Sponner will prepare the flower bed to read out the welcome message in flowers Picture: ROB BROWNE

Mr Thomas said the structure was designed to make it difficult for graffiti artists to reach the sign and the flower bed was angled so the welcome message will be easily read.

Published Monday, April 28, 2003

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