A north council is having a crackdown on cluttered streets after it removed unauthorised signs and told businesses to get permission before they are put back out again.
Guidance issued by Argyll and Bute Council will see businesses in Oban have to seek permission and pay to advertise on the main street.
The local authority has deemed that clumsy A frames have a “detrimental impact” when they sit outside premises and on street corners, claiming they can also be a health and safety risk to pedestrians.
Last month, after A frame signs were removed by the council and taken to their yard, many businesses thought they had been stolen.
But the council reminded business owners yesterday that they must have permission to place advertising on the street.
In many cases this will also mean that business need to pay to display on-the-street advertising.
The news is a blow to businesses who are situated off the main thoroughfare.
Lorne Farquharson manager of the Lorne Bar, on Stevenson Street, said: “We need the signs to be out on the main street to let people know that we are here.
“People usually stay on the main street and don’t come out into the streets beyond.”
BID4Oban chief executive Andrew Spence said the issue had been concerning business in the town and was due to be discussed at a meeting with the local authority.
Mr Spence said: “BID4Oban are working with Argyll and Bute Council regarding alternatives to A Frame advertising etc and we will be feeding back to levy payers after our meeting on June 27.”
Argyll and Bute Council spokesman for planning and regulatory services, Councillor David Kinniburgh, said: “Signage, whether on a building or an A board on the street, comes under the control of the council.
“While some types of signage may not need permission, in many cases businesses will need to apply for planning consent or pavement licences before going ahead.
“The new signage policy can be viewed by logging on to the council website: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ldp”
Councillor Kinniburgh added: “The council can take enforcement action but this would be a last resort in cases where signs have a detrimental impact on road safety or pedest
But the council reminded business owners yesterday that they must have permission to place advertising on the street.
In many cases this will also mean that business need to pay to display on-the-street advertising.
The news is a blow to businesses who are situated off the main thoroughfare.
Lorne Farquharson manager of the Lorne Bar, on Stevenson Street, said: “We need the signs to be out on the main street to let people know that we are here.
“People usually stay on the main street and don’t come out into the streets beyond.”
BID4Oban chief executive Andrew Spence said the issue had been concerning business in the town and was due to be discussed at a meeting with the local authority.
Mr Spence said: “BID4Oban are working with Argyll and Bute Council regarding alternatives to A Frame advertising etc and we will be feeding back to levy payers after our meeting on June 27.”
Argyll and Bute Council spokesman for planning and regulatory services, Councillor David Kinniburgh, said: “Signage, whether on a building or an A board on the street, comes under the control of the council.
“While some types of signage may not need permission, in many cases businesses will need to apply for planning consent or pavement licences before going ahead.
“The new signage policy can be viewed by logging on to the council website: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ldp”
Councillor Kinniburgh added: “The council can take enforcement action but this would be a last resort in cases where signs have a detrimental impact on road safety or pedestrian access, or have a significant adverse impact on the character or appearance of an area.”