More than 140 new eye-catching signs are to be installed around Bournemouth to encourage more people to explore the town on foot.

Information hubs will be placed at Pier Approach, Horseshoe Common, the Triangle, Bournemouth Station and the Square while a network of wayfinding signs, footpath markers and finger posts will guide people around the town.

Cllr Lawrence Williams, cabinet member for tourism, leisure and culture, said: “Improving connectivity across town will help people get around more easily and encourage more people to travel on foot.

“The introduction of a wayfinding scheme will enhance the tourist experience and reinforce the town’s reputation as the UK’s premier resort. It will provide tangible benefits for the town, its residents, visitors and businesses.”

Bournemouth Council has joined forced with the Town Centre BID and the Coastal BID to fund the signs in the town centre, Boscombe, Southbourne and Westbourne, which they hope will encourage people to explore the town and discover hidden shops, attractions, parks and walking routes.

Coastal BID chairman Paul Clarke said: “We have been working together with the Council and the Town Centre BID for two years to develop a modern, attractive and fully integrated pedestrian signage scheme for visitors.

“This not only links the town centre to the coastal villages via the promenade, but also serves to connect the seafront to our retail hub in Boscombe, Southbourne and Westbourne.”

And Lisa Tucker, the chair of the Town Centre BID, said: “The new signage will help to welcome and orientate visitors and locals alike, and help them find the key retail, leisure, night life and business areas in Bournemouth town centre, as well as creating more prominent links between the seafront and the town centre.”

The signs should be installed in the spring, while the five information hubs will follow over the summer, subject to planning permission.