STREET signs in York are set for an overhaul to make them more helpful for people with dementia.

The city council has employed an award winning agency to carry out a six-week consultation looking at York’s signposts, and in particular how this can benefit people with disabilities or dementia.

Specialist wayfinding consultants Placemarque were commissioned earlier this year to examine signposting places like bus stops, Newgate Market, taxi ranks and civic buildings.

An audit it carried out into signage in the city has already found that information on sign posts and civic information points does not currently meet accessibility guidelines, making it difficult for people with disabilities or dementia to find their their way around York.

Philly Hare, who manages Joseph Rowntree Foundation's programme ‘Dementia without Walls’, said: "We know that clear signage and other clues for way finding can help people at the earlier stages of dementia to continue making the most of their community, and to get out and about with confidence."

Sir Ron Cooke, the chairman of Reinvigorate York, said signage needed to be reviewed in York, and could in the future make better use of technology, but should not allow more clutter onto the streets.

Visit York's Kate Mullen added: "Improving signing will help ensure our visitors, especially those here for the very first time, can easily find York’s iconic attractions, venues and landmarks to help make the very most of their stay here."

Prototype signs and maps are ready for the consultation, which starts today and runs until Monday, October 13, and drop-in events will take place at City of York Council’s West Offices on September 10 and 23, and October 8 from 11am-7pm; and in St Sampson's Square on September 13 and October 4 from 10am-4pm.

Consultation surveys and leaflets will be also available at all libraries, West Offices reception and Visit York’s Tourist Information Centre. Alternatively, responses can also be completed online at www.york.gov.uk/wayfinding or sent to The Wayfinding Team, West Offices, Station Rise, YO1 6GA.