Looking at entry with impact

Hollywood has one, Mosgiel has one and, now, Alexandra is considering possibly three - in 2m-high letters at each entrance to the town.

Feedback is being sought on a proposal to erect signs naming the town in pre-cast letters, made from schist and concrete.

The idea came from the Alexandra Community Plan and a working group has been developing the concept.

"The first thing we want to know is if this is what people want," working party member and Vincent Community Board chairwoman Clair Higginson said.

The group wanted something a bit different, and said the product would have to blend in with the landscape, be vandal-proof, memorable and provide a good photo opportunity.

"Once we decide whether this is what we want, the next thing we have to look at is the cost, because they're quite expensive, so we need to get ideas on how to pay for them and how many we want."

The cost of each sign was estimated at $27,000, including construction, consents and placement.

Possible locations included near the Alexandra golf course, at the top of the Half Mile coming into the town from the south, and on Manuherikia Rd.

The sites were subject to consents and approval from landowners and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

A "life-sized" mock-up letter will be at Central Stories along with a comments book.