A WARM welcome is guaranteed for the increasing number of visitors travelling to Hartlepool by road.

New signs marking the borough's boundaries are going up, and a number of others directing people to the town's major attractions are planned.

The signs are an important element of the council's local transport plan, and are part of a five-year strategy to upgrade road signs.

The locations chosen for the boundary signs are the A689, near Newton Bewley, the A179 at Sheraton, the A178 Tees Road, at Greatham Creek, and the A1078 coast road.

The tourist signs are to be located between the power station and Seaton Carew, in Seaton Lane, on the way to Seaton Carew, in Coronation Drive, and Belle Vue Way.

The attractions they will promote include the marina, Hartlepool Historic Quay, the town's museums, and the Town Hall Theatre.

Ian Parker, head of highways and transportation for Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "The new signs play an important part in directing travellers to their final destinations, and people are more likely to visit the town if they know that the roads and main attractions are well signposted."

Councillor John Howard, chairman of the council's regeneration board, said: "The signs are an important part of our strategy to attract more visitors."