Signs hope for shops (From Gazette & Herald)

Signs hope for shops

MOVES to crack down on display signs outside shops in North Yorkshire's market towns will come under the scrutiny of councillors next week.

There may yet be a ray of hope for traders and small businesses, after council chiefs indicated they would consider balancing the needs of both the business community and highway users.

The Evening Press has reported trader fury after North Yorkshire County Council confirmed it was set to enforce a ban on signs, displays, flowers and even fruit and vegetables from the highway.

Now the authority's environment and heritage scrutiny committee will give the matter further consideration at a meeting on Wednesday.

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

The scrutiny committee will provide the council executive with a report and recommendations.

Heather Garnett, chairwoman of the scrutiny committee, said: "The committee will be looking at the matter in detail.

"Consideration will be given to balancing the needs of businesses and the needs of users of the highway".

Businesses across the county have already objected to the proposed clampdown. Colin Wallwork, chairman of Selby district chamber of trade and commerce, said his group had joined that opposition.

"The majority of A boards in Selby are used to promote smaller businesses that are often slightly off the beaten track," he said.

"We are at a time when the vitality and viability of the town centre is going to be severely tested and we feel this is a draconian action that will, in the main, alienate traders."

Mr Wallwork said cases should be considered on an individual basis and he offered the services of the chamber as a mediator.

Updated: 11:31 Saturday, January 31, 2004