Row erupts over Welcome to Wolverhampton signs as council hits back

Wolverhampton council's ruling Labour party today hit back at the city's Liberal Democrat group who labelled the costs as an 'extravagant waste of taxpayers' money'.

Twenty-five of the glossy new signs have appeared across the city, featuring major landmarks such as Molineux, the Grand Theatre, and Banks's Brewery.

The city's economic boss, councillor John Reynolds, said: “It is disappointing that the Liberal Democrats do not feel we should be showing pride in our city and welcoming visitors to Wolverhampton.

“The commercial benefit to the city of these signs also outweighs the cost. They help drive further investment, which in turns leads to jobs – a point other opposition parties agree with."

Mr Reynolds said the signs will last at least five years, which works out at £180 per sign per year.

And he said the council had received 'many offers' to sponsor the signs, including a £4,000 proposal from one firm.

He added: “The messages on the signs come from research with local people about what makes them feel most proud of the city.”

The University of Wolverhampton also released a statement supporting the signs.

Director of external relations Katharine Clough said: “The university was more than happy to appear on the new signs around Wolverhampton. We feel it is a great way to show people travelling into the city some of the world class organisations and businesses that are based here.

“We have been working closely with the council and other partners to showcase the city and help raise its profile as a place to live, work, learn, socialise and do business in.

“There is a lot fantastic work going on and lots of regeneration and investment and it’s time to be proud of what we can offer as a city and not be afraid to tell people that Wolverhampton is on the up.”

But Wolverhampton Liberal Democrat campaigner Paul Butters described the response from the council as 'bluster' trying to justify 'wasting' money on 'stupid hobby horses'.

He said: "This is just more bluster from Labour and this time they have been caught throwing taxpayers money down the drain.

"People know we are in Wolverhampton, we are proud of the city but what we are not proud of is these group of Labour councillors throwing away our taxes. This cash could have been spent on teaching assistants to teach our kids or care workers to care for our elderly and not their stupid hobby horses."

The signs cost around £17,000 plus £6,000 in labour to install them.