VISITORS to Portishead’s marina can now discover more about the town’s history, thanks to a local resident.

Three new heritage signs have been installed on the water’s edge at Port Marine depicting the history of the town’s docks.

The signs were the idea of Mike Johnston, who runs the Summit Outdoor Leisure shop next to Worthington’s Walk near High Street.

He said: “I have felt for a long while that Portishead residents and visitors to the marina could be forgiven for not knowing what originally stood around the dock prior to the current housing development and I wanted to do something about it.”

The industrial legacy at the dock was responsible for the growth of the town and in 1960 the Johnston family was one of many that settled here because of the power station and other industries.

Mr Johnston brought the interpretation board project together on behalf of the Gordano Society which, along with the town council and Yansec, financed the three boards.

The board at Parish Wharf gives an overview of the docks, one on the west quay relates to the power stations and on the east quay the board details the phosphorus factory, Albright and Wilson.

Mr Johnston added: “I would like to thank Peter Milner for his help with these boards and the Gordano Society which is committed to helping enhance the civic pride we should all have as residents of this community.”

He is now hoping that more signs will be installed but at a cost of more than �1,000 each, raising funds will be the first step.

The Gordano Society is responsible for the Possett Pieces publications and is currently restoring the two road signs at the bottom of West Hill.