New advertising board policy to be considered

New guidelines for the siting of advertising boards in Shropshire’s town centres are to be considered by councillors next week.

At their meeting next Tuesday (15 February 2011), Shropshire Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve a new ‘A-boards’ policy, which has been prepared following a pilot scheme run in Ludlow and Bridgnorth last year, and that takes into account comments made during the pilot.

The pilot A-board code of conduct was introduced in Ludlow and Bridgnorth to address concerns about advertising boards obstructing the pavement, and about their impact on the appearance of the towns, whilst aiming to recognise the value that such boards play in promoting local businesses.

The new policy proposes a countywide approach, but with the ability for local discretion to suit the circumstances in each market town.

Existing by-laws relating to A-boards, such as those in the Shrewsbury town centre loop, would not affected by this new policy at present.

Under the new rules A-boards would only be removed or moved from the public highway by council officers if they present a hazard or obstruction that needs to be removed to maintain safe passage.

However, town and parish councils will, following consultation, be able to adopt a higher level of enforcement and limit the number of A-boards in their area to two per premises, subject to certain criteria (see notes).

Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport
and IT, said:

“Supporting small and local businesses in our market towns is a key priority for Shropshire Council. We have always recognised that A-boards help local shops, especially in the current economic conditions, and can be a benefit to a vibrant market town.

After listening carefully to the views and concerns raised during the pilot we have revised the A-board criteria to make the new scheme more flexible.

I am confident that this proposed policy will allow us to support our market towns, whilst still ensuring that our residents, visitors and tourists are not inconvenienced by advertising boards, and that our towns are presented in the best
way possible.

We are happy to work with traders to identify suitable locations for A-boards and, likewise, ask them to contact the council if they have any questions about the new policy.”

Any retailers with questions about the proposed A-board policy should call Shropshire Council on 0345 678 9016.