Barnard Castle's brass trail – wise move or waste of cash?

Not a fan – Kevin Roberts

A TRAIL of brass plaques directing people to two of Barnard Castle’s most iconic tourist attractions has met with a mixed reaction.
A host of brass plaques, emblazoned with a castle image and The Bowes Museum’s famous swan logo, have been drilled into the pavements on Horsemarket, Market Place and along Newgate as part of a Durham County Council scheme.
People following the swan logo end up at The Bowes Museum, while those falling the castle logo, on the other side of the plaques, finish at the walls of Barnard Castle.
But many people say they did not see them until they were pointed out and even then did not know what they are for.
Kevin Roberts, from Bowes, said: “I would personally say what are they? For a council that has no money, it seems like a waste.”
He asked why the council had not simply put up traditional signage.
Others, however, see the value in the trail, particularly for the castle, which many tourists struggle to find and frequently ask locals for directions. Alex Gray of Brookes Outfitters and Tailors, said: “I think it is a good idea.”
Explaining the markers, Sarah Robson, head of economic development and housing at the county council, said: “As part of our ongoing support for tourism in Barnard Castle we’ve installed 27 brass markers along the streets to create an easy to follow walking trail.
“These stretch from The Bowes Museum to the castle to make it as easy as possible for visitors to enjoy two of the major attractions of the town as well as everything else in between.”
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