Coventry City Council are to unveil the first of more than 40 new signs for the five and a half mile stretch of Coventry Canal.

The signs have been designed to give the whole area a unique identity and the very first one is now in place at the Canal Basin. Standing at more than six feet tall it provides information in words and pictures about places to visit nearby, short walks and the Heritage and Art Trails. It also points the way to the nearest bus stops and toilets.

The signs will help to ensure that people feel confident and safe when they use the canal. They will also help people understand Coventry Canal’s unique history, from the first British made car to role of the production line to its role in Coventry’s industrial growth, its sad demise in the 1950’s and its amazing transformation today.

Councillor Nick Nolan, Chair of the Economic Regeneration Policy Team said,

"The canal is very much a part of Coventry’s heritage and these new signs will help to point the way to a brighter future. A whole new generation is rediscovering the canal, enjoying the special character of the waterway for recreation, leisure and pleasure. And after a big Christmas dinner what could be nicer than a family stroll along the towpath admiring the art and enjoying the peace and tranquillity."

As well as signs to point the way around the canal there will also be a series of heritage plaques and a number of ‘Living with Water’ boards which will tell a variety of stories of factual and fictional canal characters – from the story of Dolly the mule to Patrick Riley a navvy who helped build the canal.

Paid for with £60,000 won from Europe and the Single Regeneration Budget all of the 40 plus signs will be in place by Christmas.