Sidmouth traders get A-board warning

SIDMOUTH traders have been told to remove obstructive advertising boards that allegedly block pavements.

SIDMOUTH traders have been told to remove obstructive advertising boards that allegedly block pavements.

Highways chiefs have written to businesses in the town whose A-boards they deem fall foul of Devon County Council (DCC) policy.

DCC claims unauthorised displays on narrow pavements are a potential hazard to pedestrians, especially the disabled.

A DCC spokesperson said: "We understand the concerns of small businesses, however, we must also take into consideration other users of the roads and pavements.

"The council has asked businesses in Sidmouth to take in their displays where they do not comply with the council's policy.

"National Highways Act guidance states that no unauthorised items, such as advertising boards, should be displayed on the pavement, but in Devon our policy is more flexible, as we do allow authorised displays on the pavement so long as they are immediately in front of the business and leave a clear two metres of footpath.

"However, in areas where the pavements are not that wide it can pose a potential hazard to passers by, especially those with mobility problems or parents pushing prams, so we respectfully ask that shop owners try and allow enough room for them to pass safely."

Last year Sidmouth town councillors advocated ridding Sidmouth town centre of obstructive advertising boards.

Councillors expressed concern in October that a proliferation of the free-standing A-boards was obstructing pavements in the shopping centre, preventing those with prams or in wheelchairs from easily using paths.