MADAM - I have just got to respond to the article on the front page of the Sidmouth Herald dated September 25, regarding hotels, pubs and restaurants advertising boards.
MADAM - I have just got to respond to the article on the front page of the Sidmouth Herald dated September 25, regarding hotels, pubs and restaurants advertising boards.
I say to councillors Liverton, Sullivan and Jolly to stop being so petty, these boards are an important tool for businesses in this town to succeed. Even the NatWest bank has one.
For the councillors to suggest the boards are making the town look tatty is absolute nonsense. Advertising boards are a part of British culture, which spreads across the length, and breadth of this country. It is also widely used in Europe and elsewhere.
Councillor Liverton stated in the Herald that he is quote "forever moving signs because of considering those with pushchairs or wheelchairs who cannot get on to the pavement." My response to the aforementioned remark is he is being untruthful.
To have advertising boards and tables removed, as proposed by the three councillors, would take away the cosy atmosphere and quaint character of our beautiful town. For the benefit of the three councillors I can report with proof that a business within the Sidmouth area placed two advertising boards outside their premises on January 1, 2009 and their turnover increased 20% to date which avoided them going into administration.
The three councillors have got to remember all of these hotels, shops and restaurants etc, generate the millions of pounds of council tax to pay for vital council services to the community and which includes their salaries and expenses.
I say to the councillors, help them by keeping a perspective, do not hinder them. We depend on their success. One must also understand the consequences of possible failure of these hotels, pubs and restaurants. The knock on effect to the wholesale distributors and others would also be catastrophic. The Sidmouth Herald for example would be one, through loss of advertising revenue.
For the three councillors, I say to you, to achieve your petty proposal could result in unit closures in the town. Something the electorate of this town would not want to see and they will surely make their mark of displeasure in the next election.
Vernon Hartnell
La Rosetta
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