COUNCILLORS have opposed the installation of “ugly” sponsorship advertisement signs on two roundabouts in Wellington.

Members of Wellington Town Council’s planning committee on Monday voted against supporting applications put forward to install the signs on the Lillebonne Way and Cades roundabouts.

Cllr Nancy Powell-Brace said: “I’m dead against this. Why not put flowers on the roundabouts instead of signs? The signs will be dangerous as I don’t think there should be anything blocking a driver’s view.”

The Mayor, Cllr Mark Lithgow, said: “Drivers might not necessarily look over at a tree on a roundabout, but an advertising hoarding might be a distraction for some motorists.”

Cllrs Chris Booth and Marcus Barr both said they did not have a problem with the applications. “Plenty of other places have got these sponsorship advertising boards on roundabouts and, to be honest, they aren’t very big,” said Cllr Barr.

Councillors voted narrowly in favour of opposing the Lillebonne Way Roundabout application which was looking to install three signs.

And it was a similar story when they discussed the Cades Roundabout application – which stands next to the new Lidl store being built.

Cllr Janet Lloyd said: “The signs could distract drivers, but the brambles currently there should be cleared.”

But Cllr Booth said he did not think advertising signs on that roundabout at Cades would have a harmful effect on driving.

Cllr Andrew Govier asked: “Are these sponsored advertising signs going to help to pay for the roundabouts to be tidied up? I’m pretty relaxed about it.”

But Cllr Battishill added: “That road is a gateway into Wellington and I don’t think having ugly advertising signs is a good look coming into Wellington.”

Cllr Marcus Barr drew attention to the fact that the signs would provide income for Somerset County Council. “Councils need to make money – it’s a sign of the times,” he told colleagues. But councillors again voted in favour of opposing the Cades application.

A final decision on both applications will be made by the Somerset West and Taunton District Council.