LAUNCESTON could soon be home to a new road sign highlighting it as the birthplace of the late poet Charles Causley.

The Causley Trust sent a sample of road signs drawn up by Cormac to the town council, which met last week, for its thoughts.

These say: ‘Welcome to Launceston, birthplace of Charles Causley’, with variations including symbols representing attractions, and ‘twinned with Plestin les Grèves’.

Mayor Cllr Brian Hogan said: “All I would say is it would be nice if we have our twin town on the sign.”

Cllr Dave Gordon said: “There is no mention of our history here — the ancient capital of Cornwall. I think that’s as important as everything else. I would like to see the history put on it.”

Cllr John Harris said: “I think the historic aspect is very important. The more we can show who we are as people are coming across the border this is the first town in Cornwall the better.”

Cllr Jane Nancarrow added: “I feel it should mention the historical background to Launceston. I think it should say birthplace of poet Charles Causley.

“Charles Causley when planning his headstone, he just wanted a simple word: ‘poet’. I feel just including that simple word poet would really cover it very well.”

Cllr Rob Tremain, who recalled the work undertaken to have signs placed at Pennygillam, said: “These are complicated decisions because the highways agency not just Cornwall Council have the say in this I recall.

“I think if this is in addition to the brown signs, then fine. I think ‘ancient capital of Cornwall, birthplace of poet Charles Causley, twinned with Plestin les Grèves’, but it’s the Causley Trust who are paying for this.”

The majority of councillors agreed to Cllr Tremain’s wording, but Cllr Leighton Penhale indicated he wished to abstain from voting, adding: “We seem to have numerous signs that are becoming totally neglected.”

Cllr Hogan said: “Cornwall Highways either will be maintaining the sign or not as the case may be.”

Any councillors who know of signs that need cleaning or repairing were asked to report them to the town clerk.

The town clerk Christopher Drake said comments made would be put to the Causley Trust and the trust asked for a response.