PROPOSALS which could see the removal of tourism signs directing visitors to attractions in West Devon and East Cornwall have met with angry reactions from councils and attraction owners.

The Department of Transport proposals suggest limiting the numbers of 'brown' signs on both motorways, trunk roads and other roads on the grounds of road safety and environmental intrusion.

However, Devon County Council has blasted the Government's proposals to change the rules on tourism signs as 'bureaucracy gone mad'.

Proposed changes include not signing tourist destinations where a community is already signed from a road; removing signs for retail outlets such as shopping and garden centres, and also facilities such as sports centres, concert venues and theatres; and setting a visitor number criteria for attractions signed from motorways and trunk roads.

Jacqui Channon from the National Trust said that only Lanhydrock House and St Michael's Mount in Devon and Cornwall would qualify under the suggested 200,00 visitor benchmark.

'Castle Drogo, with 105,000 a year, would be in the same boat as the Finch Foundry, which has 13,000 a year. Both would lose their signs,' she said.

'We are in a bit of a double-edged situation. We acknowledge the impact signage can have on the countryside, but on the other hand we are a tourist organisation and make our money from that.'

Barry Godefroy of Morwellham Quay said he would be 'very disappointed' if there were changes to the signage. 'They cost a lot of money and help us. We get comments on the number of signs not there rather than the other way around,' he said.

Cllr David Morrish, Devon's executive member responsible for the environment, said: 'We all agree that we do not want unnecessary and uncontrolled signage on our roads, but these proposals are not helpful and are unacceptable in Devon.'

Cllr Derrick Spear, executive member responsible for the economy, added: 'This is bureaucracy gone mad and potentially very damaging to Devon. Foot and mouth has clearly shown how vital tourism is to the local economy and the industry needs all the support it can get.'

Cllr Spear said there needed to be greater flexibility to allow for local circumstances.

Devon County Council is sending a detailed response to DETR as part of the consultation on the process.