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Fury at advertising boards clampdown in Winchester (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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Fury at advertising boards clampdown in Winchester
3:38pm Monday 6th July 2009
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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Your Say YourHampshire
jammyswine, On the shoulders of Giants says...
4:17pm Mon 6 Jul 09
saintpeter48, southampton says...
4:43pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Iain, Lordshill says...
4:43pm Mon 6 Jul 09
jammyswine, On the shoulders of Giants says...
5:10pm Mon 6 Jul 09
saintpeter48 wrote:Sorry, forgot about the bikes on the pavement. Should have pushed her into the road and jumped into the doorway to clear your path!!!
what about you wheelchair users and other pedestrians being in my way when im trying to ride my bike on the pavement, you should all get on your bikes!!
King Mush, Woolston says...
5:23pm Mon 6 Jul 09
I can see any male staff receiving jibes from some customers and then claiming 'compensayshun' for hurt feelings, distress and all that goes with it
soton1980, Southampton/Winchester/Fareham says...
5:45pm Mon 6 Jul 09
jammyswine wrote:I couldn't agree more. Sometimes I've had to actually walk into the road because of selfish shopkeepers in Winchester having boards outside.
As someone whose partner was in a wheelchair for some months, although I sympathise with the shopkeepers, it is simply not on to have to try and manouvre the chair into the road and around these boards.
Dave of Dibden, Dibden says...
7:02pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Linesman, Fareham says...
7:15pm Mon 6 Jul 09
If it is not advertising boards obstructing the pavements it is cars. Both are big enough to see, but a problem for the blind.
A total lack of consideration.
sadtobehere, Southampton says...
6:46am Tue 7 Jul 09
Space Man, Winchester says...
8:55am Tue 7 Jul 09
spotburst, Southampton says...
9:33am Tue 7 Jul 09
goard, Southampton says...
10:30am Tue 7 Jul 09
goard
King Mush, Woolston says...
6:24pm Tue 7 Jul 09
Or even manage to work out the numbers and locations from a board?
bemused26, southampton says...
9:37am Wed 8 Jul 09
King Mush wrote:I don't get it!? (I'm a bit slow with jokes sometimes!)
I'm surprised that certain sections of the PC brigade haven't jumped on the boutique name and its homophobic slant! I can see any male staff receiving jibes from some customers and then claiming 'compensayshun' for hurt feelings, distress and all that goes with it
Jane Stayman of Ginger
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Night Mare, Hythe says...
3:58pm Mon 6 Jul 09
The photograph of Ms Stayman with her board may be misleading but it appears that her "A" board takes up half the width of the pavement, although technically, as Ms Stayman claims, it is not blocking the highway.
I hope they do find a solution that takes into account the needs of all concerned.