Board ban sparks shops fury (From Gazette & Herald)

Board ban sparks shops fury

FRUIT and vegetables, flowers, displays and signs are soon to be outlawed from the streets of North Yorkshire's market towns - a move that has enraged shop-owners.

A blanket ban on obstructions placed on pavements by traders is to be enforced by North Yorkshire County Council chiefs under the Highways Act 1980.

"Anything which is placed in the highway without the lawful permission of the highways authority is an illegal obstruction and so has no right to be there," said Mike Masterman, head of environmental management at North Yorkshire County Council.

The county council claims the signs can be problematic for blind, partially-sighted, infirm or disabled people, and can distract motorists, impede visibility, and cause a hazard.

Malton and Norton town centre manager Peter Mudge said: "Traditional display boards used to promote newsagents, pubs and post offices are set to be outlawed and the siting of continental style pavement cafes, and even produce displays outside shops, will need approval if proposals under review by North Yorkshire County Council are adopted.

"The whole visual appeal of market town street scenes across the county is now at risk.

"The whole policy smacks of using a sledge-hammer to crack a nut."

Gareth Horsley, owner of WP Horsley Florist, in Market Place, Malton, which has a large display of plants and garden ornaments outside the premises, said: "I'm appalled that they're doing this to a market town, not just for myself, but for other traders who put goods, whether it's flowers or fruit and veg, outside their shop.

"It will really affect the whole appearance of the town."

Graham Lockwood, chairman of Ryedale and East Coast Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "In my opinion, for North Yorkshire County Council to stick to the letter of the law is too extreme."

After a successful pilot scheme in Skipton a new procedure for bringing about the removal of illegal signs will be implemented across the county.

County council officers will put notices on the signs warning that unless the owners move them, the authority will. Businesses will have to pay £25 to get their sign back.

Members of the federation who have concerns can phone Mr Lockwood on 01751 460400.

Updated: 12:15 Friday, January 30, 2004