FRUSTRATED villagers have criticised a decision to refuse calls for a village hall sign to be installed on a busy trunk road in Llanover.

Members of the Sir John Herbert Memorial Hall Committee have been campaigning for a sign for almost two years.

The hall is not visible from the road and they have become increasingly concerned that potential users have been unable to locate the landmark. Committee chairman, Richard Wilkinson, said: "Visitors trying to find the hall, which is a focal point for the community, have had to ask for directions.

Mrs Jude Baker, secretary, said: "I've spoken to people who have drive through Llanover for years but say they cannot find the hall, which has been here since the late 1940s. It is invisible."

"To get to the hall you use what looks like a lane, there's no signage, but we say it is between the post box and the bus stop."

The committee say their only other option is to ask Llanover Estate if they can put a direction sign on its property.

Marc Baker, committee member, added that it is affecting business. "Some visitors have driven round in a circle and couldn't find anyone to ask," he said.

The committee, who have been campaigning for almost two years, sought help from MP David Davies after an application for a sign to the Welsh Assembly was rejected.

David Davies has hit out at the decision by the Welsh Assembly's Transport Minister, Andrew Davies, for not reversing the decision. The AM again ignored the request, stating that such a sign could have 'serious implications' on driver safety.

In his reply, Andrew Davies said: "Sign proliferation has serious driver safety implications that we cannot ignore and the request for signing must be declined. I know this is disappointing, but it is paramount we place driver safety first."

David Davies said the decision was 'unsympathetic' and 'unacceptable' and has vowed to continue to lobby the transport minister on the issue." "Whilst agreeing that driver safety is paramount, I consider that such a sign would improve safety throughout Llanover."

The hall costs £5 an hour to hire and is available for all events from weddings, children's parties, seminars, school activities and fetes. Call 01873 880723 or log onto www.freetocharities.org.uk/llanover