David Bailey was forced to fork out for his own road signs after getting no response to his queries
BLANEY Caravan Park finally has a sign directing tourists to their site, but only after owner David Bailey put the sign up himself at a cost of over £200.
The Herald spoke to Mr Bailey a number of weeks ago and he expressed his concerns that the G8 was affecting business, with tourists being put off by diversion signs and having no clue how to get to his caravan park.
After repeated attempts to get in touch with the Roads Service, the Northern Ireland Office and Police and after no joy, David decided to take matters into his own hands.
“I went and bought the signs and got them put up, no thanks to anyone. Nobody out there will help you when you’re a small businessman. Unless you’re inside the fence there’s no help available.”
David was not alone in purchasing the signs and when Carrickcraft boat hire, also based at Blaney, found about his plan, they too spent money advertising the new directions to their business via the diversion.
“Gabriele Tottenham who runs Blaney Spa and Yoga Centre is another making use of the signs, she is telling people to follow signs for the caravan park.”
The signs themselves cost £200, but that is not the end of the cost as David explained.
“We then had to get someone to put them up and immediately you’re into hundreds of pounds when you take into account the posts and the labour.
“This is an unsatisfied customer with the powers that be.”
Even though David admits the newly erected signs have helped people “who would have been completely confused otherwise” the diversion signs in place remain a source of frustration.
“The diversion signage is not helping and foreign tourists don’t pass by when they see it.”
He added: “I thought the whole point of the G8 was bringing in people to the county, but I think we have created the opposite, we have sent the people away.”
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