Council removes illegal advertising signs

Any signs erected by private businesses in Council-owned grass verges will be removed by the Council and the businesses may face a penalty of £100.

Business owners were advised in advance of the new policy, ensuring that they were aware of the new process and were all contacted to request that they remove the signs prior to removal. 

The application process sees the Council’s Highway Maintenance Team ensuring that the business owners are suitably insured. 

Any boards removed by the Council are held for 28 days to allow for the owners to get in touch and collect. 

Peter King, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport said:

“The Highway Maintenance Team has been working hard to ensure that our roads and pavements are safe and suitable for all users.

“The policy changes have been in effect since July 2021 and were designed to ensure that all outside advertising meets appropriate standards of safety and keeps pavements clear of all hazards.

“Obstructions on pavements can make it difficult for blind and partially-sighted pedestrians and can be an inconvenience to others more generally.”