A LONG-RUNNING wrangle over the ownership of a sign welcoming visitors to Richmond has reached a conclusion.

Guest house owner and Richmond Business and Tourism Association member Trevor Teeley was first to broach the issue with the council.

Filthy from years of neglect, he was worried that the sign was giving a poor first impression of the town to those coming in along the Reeth road.

However, it proved to be far from a simple matter of giving the sign a quick lick of paint.

Ownership needed to be established first and neither the town, district nor county councils seemed willing to take it on.

Mr Teeley said: "I was amazed something like this could be overlooked, as so much effort has been put into improving Richmond's reputation as a tourist trap. It's taken ages to resolve."

However, resolved it has been, with the town council indicating that it is willing to take responsibility for the sign, and promising that a facelift will be carried out as soon as possible.

Councillor Jane Metcalfe said yesterday: "We are working hard on tourism.

"I am pleased that Mr Teeley is taking a keen interest, as we really do need the support of the business community."