New signs to brighten up Isle

There are to be new signs depicting historic images related to each specific area for the villages of Keadby, Derrythorpe and Althorpe.

The Keadby sign will have an image of the historic port; Althorpe will have an image of the fifteenth century St Oswald’s Church, and the Derrythorpe sign will show working Shire horses ploughing in a field.

Each of the three signs with illustrations will be put in place early in the new Year.

They were commissioned by North Lincolnshire Council as part of a wider investment scheme specifically for the Isle of Axholme.

Coun John Briggs, ward member for Axholme North at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The new signs will give visitors a great welcome to the three villages. They all depict various historic aspects of the area.

“The new signs are the first of a number of signs that will be replaced following consultation with the parish councils and local residents. We have received some really positive feedback about the Isle of Axholme signs that were unveiled by Andrew Percy MP and Baroness Redfern, so new village signs are a positive next step.

“The Isle of Axholme is a special place and we want to make sure that each of our villages have signage that represents our history, while also reflecting some of the modern day Isle.”

The Isle attracts hundreds of visitors each year, many of whom come to see the birthplace of John Wesley, that is the Old Rectory in Epworth.

Known as an Isle ever since an effective drainage system was set up by Dutchman Cornelius Vermuyden, the Axholme area is split in to around 19 communities, namely Belton, Crowle, Epworth, Haxey, Beltoft, High and Low Burnham, Owston Ferry, Graiselound, Garthorpe, Luddington, Amcotts, West Butterwick, Althorpe, Upperthorpe, Westwoodside, Eastoft, Sandtoft and Wroot.

Each village or town was once built on the highest ground available. In the north of the Isle the land is flat and has been used as rich farmland historically. The name of Axholme has the literal meaning, ‘island by Haxey’.

The total cost of the new village signs is £1,500.