REBECCA STEVENSON DISGRUNTLED tourism operator Paul Hill says Napier City Council needs to address its out-of-date sign policy and recognise the importance of his industry to the city. At Wednesday's Environmental Management Committee Mr Hill, owner of The Old Church Restaurant and Bar in Meeanee, had his request for the installationof two signs directing motorists to his business on council roads declined. Mr Hill wanted the signs on Meeanee Road and by the Awatoto Golf Course. The Old Church already has a Transit-approved sign on SH2 by the Meeanee intersection but Mr Hill said the area was confusing for tourists. Council's 1992 sign policy does not generally allow for signs for restaurant facilities but Mr Hill argued The Old Church's historical significance and tourist numbers since it opened justified the signs. He said in the month of December alone the restaurant had attracted 6000 visitors. The Old Church is the former St Mary's Church which dates back to 1863. Mr Hill said the council's policy is old and was made before the city really had a booming tourism industry. "Council staff were adamant they didn't want any signage. I didn't want them to pay for it, I hadn't asked them to do anything. I just wanted two signs to give continuity." The recommendation to the committee said there are numerous other facilities in the city that could claim bigger visitor numbers than The Old Church. Mayor Barbara Arnott agreed and said other hospitality venues, for example historic Shed 2 in Ahuriri, could ask for signs had the council approved Mr Hill's request. She said tourism had taken off in Napier since 1992 and the policy had been put in place to stop a plethora of signs appearing. Mrs Arnott said there was an issue with the overuse of signs in Napier. The council is currently reviewing its policy, the Mayor said.
