RYEDALE traders are outraged after being told to clear the footpaths of A-boards advertising their businesses or face legal action.

North Yorkshire County Council has issued new guidelines prompted by concerns over obstruction caused by the signs.

They are now warning businesses in Ryedale that advertising signs standing on pavements are illegal and action will be taken against traders who fail to comply.

The clampdown has angered business owners who say the move could have a devastating effect on their trade.

Tracy Bush, who runs Poppies Cafe in Burgate, Pickering, said: “We have been told our signs are illegal and a potential danger. But we don’t agree. They are vital to our businesses, especially those in the side streets which rely on the boards to attract customers.”

Tracy, who took over the long-established teashop just three months ago, said: “Locals use the boards as a sign that we are open, and tourists are able to spot us from the Market Place.”

She added: “We don’t know of anyone who has walked into one of the boards or had an accident with one, and many of them are attractive, well-painted signs which add to the street scene.”

Mike Williams, of Castle Newsagency in Malton, said he was aware of the situation.

He said: “I am waiting to see what happens but it is a long-standing tradition for newsagents to put boards out.”

Tanya Wells, owner of the Market Place Restaurant, Malton, added that it was a ‘matter for common sense’.

She said: “The boards are not put out to hinder anybody but to help customers see what is available and help the town as well.

“Obviously we will abide by any rules but all we are trying to do is encourage people to come to our towns.”

Former Pickering mayor, Coun Julie Hepworth, a long-running campaigner against the A-boards, said they made access along footpaths hazardous for partially-sighted people, wheelchair users and parents with prams or buggies.

She said: “In some cases, pedestrians have to step into the road to avoid the boards which is particularly hazardous for children. I want to see Pickering’s businesses thrive, but we have to be concerned at the same time about pedestrian safety.”

A county council spokesperson said: “The county council has a statutory duty to keep highways safe for use and therefore has adopted the procedure, following a successful trial in the Skipton area, seeking co-operation from traders through a warning notice.

“The county council is anxious that A-boards and similar advertising signs are removed as they can prove to be a hazard in number of ways – they can be a major problem for blind, partially sighted, infirm or disabled people; cause a person to trip or pose a hazard to anyone walking into them and impede visibility or distract motorists.”

An alternative suggestion has been made by the county council, that the traders could seek planning permission from Ryedale District Council to have signs fixed to their properties to advertise their presence.


Are A-boards a hazard in our town centres? Have you had a problem because of them? Or do you think they are useful for traders and helpful for visitors?Leave your comments below.