Businesses face boards battle (From Warrington Guardian)

Businesses face boards battle

A TRADER has predicted that shops will be hit by a Cheshire County Council bid to remove dangerous signs and displays from outside shops.

Highways inspectors are identifying unauthorised signs and obstructions during the next few weeks and will attach stickers to those they want to see removed.

If the owner does not remove them within 24 hours they will be taken away and destroyed if left unclaimed.

But retailers believe they could be forced to close if they can't display their produce on the street.

Andrew Eley, from A Touch of Class fruit and vegetable shop in Bridge Street, Congleton, said: "Displaying your produce for people to see is the only way to sell and this enforcement would totally finish the town."

Congleton Town Council is backing the traders against the decision.

Mayor Jeanne Whitehurst said: "As long as access isn't blocked the displays enhance the town and we are in favour of keeping them in the pedestrianised area."

Cheshire County Council is concerned that advertising boards set more than a metre from the building could be a safety hazard to pedestrians, and have asked the county engineer to take a 'more rigorous approach' to enforcement.

Joint highways team senior engineer Malcolm McCuaig, said: "We want to help not hinder and are asking owners to remove signs considered potentially dangerous."

Mr Eley says he has blind and disabled customers who have no problem with access to the shop.