THE future of Chipping Sodbury is going in the right direction after new signposts were installed.

Brown tourist signs have been put up along the A46 directing passers by to the medieval market town.

The directions come after months of campaigning by local shopkeepers keen to attract new customers during the economic downturn.

Mark Lloyd, owner of Rounceval House Hotel, pressed South Gloucestershire Council to erect the signs at the Cross Hands junction.

He said: "I am delighted that the new brown road signs featuring Chipping Sodbury are now in place.

"Businesses in the town have been pushing for these signs for a number of years and it couldn’t be a more critical time for them to be more visible to potential customers.

"Brown signs are proven at increasing footfall to a location."

He added: "Personally I am looking forward to directing our guests to Chipping Sodbury by instructing them to follow the signs to the town rather than suggesting they follow the signs for Yate.

"Chipping Sodbury is finally on the map."

The signs have been put up on the northbound and southbound approaches to the A432 Badminton Road and A46 Bath Road.

Work was carried out as part of a council road safety scheme.

Cllr John Godwin, executive member for external affairs and partnership development, said: "The council started work last year on its economic action plan because we are determined to do everything we can to assist local businesses and households through this recession.

"The installation of brown tourist signs is just one of many ways we can assist local businesses and tourist attractions, like the historic town of Chipping Sodbury."