The new branding of the municipality of Urk has sparked strong reactions. Residents of the fishing village have even started a petition against the simple ‘U’ within the outline of the municipal coat of arms.
“I find it worthless, it’s meaningless,” a local resident told Omroep Flevoland. Another remarked, “I associate it with Unox or Unilever, not Urk.” The new logo was introduced on Monday during the New Year’s reception.
After 25 years, the municipality decided it was time for a change. Simplicity was part of the brief given to the design agency, which charged 500 euros for the design.
The old logo included contours of the former island and the haddock from the municipal coat of arms. It was considered too complex and not versatile, according to the municipality.
Some residents are pleased with the new logo. “It’s simple, but it doesn’t need to be complicated,” said a woman shopping in the old town center.
However, there have been so many critical responses that the municipality has disabled comments on Facebook and Instagram. Local Maarten Post thought the new logo was a joke and noted widespread criticism.
Post, who has started a petition, claims the logo evokes ‘alienation.’ By early morning, it had 654 signatures. Post does not advocate returning to the old logo but suggests using the original municipal coat of arms as the logo.
The coat of arms dates back to 1819, when Urk was still an island and part of the province of North Holland. It features a drawing of a haddock.
The municipality has not yet responded to the criticism.
Source: NOS