3:38pm Monday 6th July 2009
By Warwick Payne
TRADERS are “infuriated” after council chiefs launched a clampdown on advertising boards in Winchester.
Shopkeepers say the boards are vital to attract customers, especially during the recession, but are being warned they will be fined if they are not removed.
Hampshire County Council has written to dozens of stores across the city ordering them to remove the boards.
The letter said: “It is Hampshire County Council’s policy, as highway authority, not to permit the erection of any unofficial signs on highway land.
“Such signs constitute a practical or technical obstruction and placing them on the highway is an offence.”
The council has threatened to fine traders £90 if they fail to remove the boards by Wednesday, July 22.
Many retailers who use them are independent businesses based off the High Street.
One, Jane Stayman, runs the Ginger Two boutique and cafe in St Thomas Street.
She said half of her trade came from the boards that the council wants removed.
She said: “I can’t tell how much it infuriates me because we haven’t been blocking the highway.
“I know the council has a job to do, and I don’t want to be a lawbreaker.
We’re just asking people to be reasonable.”
Across the road, Chloe Roberts runs The Beanstalk toy shop.
She said: “The A-board is vital to my business, as 60 per cent of all new customers come to us after seeing it. It’s the only way that tourists hear about us.”
Winchester BID, which represents traders, is organising talks with the county council, joined by Winchester City Council.
BID spokesman Ges Potter said they hoped to arrange a compromise with the county.
“I believe that there may be a solution which can preserve the historic image of Winchester, ensure the safety of its visitors, and support and promote local business,”
he added.
The county council was asked to comment, but did not respond.
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