NEW signage has been approved which, it is hoped, will give a clearer indication of what goes on at Teignmouth’s £5 million arts centre.

Teignmouth Pavilions has been compared to a bus with no route number as despite being an imposing building on the seafront with its name and logo, there is nothing to tell people what goes on inside.

Now Teignbridge planners have agreed to the installation of seven A0 size aluminum display poster frames to be placed around the building.

These will contain lettering to include the words Arts, Cinema, Theatre and Cafe Bar.

Edward Chorlton, a Pavilions trustee, told members of the planning committee: ‘It is a very striking building but there is nothing to tell people what goes on there.

‘Google Earth thinks it is a supermarket.

‘People walking around outside have no idea what is going on.

‘We have got off to an impressive start and have four members of staff and 40 volunteers.

‘We can build on that and go from strength to strength.’

Since opening nine months ago, the Pavilions has issued 18,500 tickets to events and regularly attracts a host of events, concerts and exhibitions.

It is also hoped to use one of the displays to indicate the presence of tourist information which has been the subject of some contention as it has been suggested this has not been well publicised.

Cllr Sylvia Russell said it was ‘unfortunate’ that this had not been taken into account in the early days of planning.

She said: ‘There is a tourist information facility in the Pavilions, people are using it.

‘But unless we have something external to say it’s there, it defeats the object.

‘This is a little bit overdue nevertheless it is welcome and will assist members of the public and visitors.

‘We are moving in the right direction.

‘The Pavilions is exceeding all expectations.’

Cllr Ros Prowse added: ‘It is very important people know the tourist information is there.

‘People see this great building but they need to know where to go to get information about the town.’

A statement with the planning application, by Thomas Smith of the Pavilions, said although the building has a logo, there was no other indication of what the building is.

He said: ‘It has been compared to a bus with no route number or destination.

‘The absence of any external information is a serious problem.

‘These cabinets will improve the visibility of events by displaying forthcoming attractions.’

Five poster displays will be on the Upper Den Carriageway side while the other two will be facing the Courtenay pub.

Councillors voted to approve the application.