ONE of the busiest entrances to Maldon could be improved with a welcome sign, a resident believes.

Sarah Quayle, who has lived in the town for more than 20 years, believes that the roundabout entrance to Maldon from the A414 could use a sign indicating that people are arriving in the town.

Mrs Quayle, of Spital Road, feels that as the A414 is the most direct route from Chelmsford to Maldon, a welcome sign or symbol could “really improve the character” of the town.

At present, welcome signs are up on roads such as Fambridge Road and Mundon Road leading into the town.

Sarah said: “I’ve gradually began to feel over the years that there isn’t a lot of character to the outskirts of Maldon, particularly on the entrance via Maldon Road.

“You turn up there to this brand new and sprawling roundabout, and you see the Morrisons petrol station and a few houses, but otherwise if you were new to the area, you wouldn’t know where you were or what the town was.

“I know there are other signs in other areas, including the historic one outside the police station, but by the time you see that you’re way into the town.”

Sarah said that a symbol such as a flag or sail would do well to show the history of Maldon and its heritage, to give the west side of the town an identity.

She added: “A big metal sail for example could really symbolise Maldon's maritime heritage. It could be rust coloured iron or similar, just as a way of showing what treasures visiting this town could offer.

“You see many councils setting aside funds for more trivial things, which to some may not be needed, and while I know that something like a sail would be costly to construct, the whole town could benefit from that kind of image to welcome its visitors.”