New Village Signs Enhance Local Heritage in Chipstead

Three traditional finger posts have been created and installed around Chipstead, a picturesque village nestled within the Surrey Hills National Landscape. These signs, meticulously crafted by local artisan Marc Slegg reflect the rich history and rural character of the area, enhancing the community’s sense of place and rural identity.

The creation of these signs was funded by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL, developer contributions from new development in the area) and the installation by the Surrey Hills National Landscape.

The Surrey Hills National Landscape, known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, attracts thousands of visitors each year.

John Stephenson, Chipstead Village Preservation Society said. “We are delighted with these replacement signs that reflect our village’s rich rural character. The new signs not only aid in navigation but also enhance the resident and visitor experience by providing a deeper connection to the local history and environment.”

Cllr Rich Michalowski, Executive Member for Place, Planning and Regulatory Services at Reigate & Banstead Borough Councill, said “This project is a great example of how CIL funding can be used to demonstrate the power of local craftsmanship and heritage in shaping a community’s identity. These signs are more than functional objects; they are symbols of a shared past and a collective commitment to preserving the beauty and history of our village for future generations.”

Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills National Landscape Director states “This is part of a broader initiative to maintain and enhance the rural character of the Surrey Hills using local contractors, local material and developing green and heritage skills with our Surrey County Council’s Youth Opportunity Team who helped to install the signs”.

Councillor Luke Bennett, (Surrey County Councillor for Banstead, Woodmansterne, Chipstead) was instrumental in helping this project across the line, bringing multiple stakeholders together and gaining the necessary permissions from Surrey Highways / Surrey County Council. Commenting, Luke said: “This project to replace the traditional ‘fingerpost’ signs throughout the village has been a great example of what can be achieved through teamwork. Thanks go to John Stephenson of the CVPS for persevering with the project and my Borough Councillor colleagues from Reigate & Banstead (Cllrs Dwight, Cllr Parnall and Cllr Newton (who recently succeeded our former colleague Cllr Neame) – all of whom ensured the project gained the necessary CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funding. These aesthetically pleasing traditional looking signs are key to Chipstead’s character and village atmosphere”.