'A' boards could be banned in 'some' locations

Proliferation of A boards on The Walk causing an obstruction

Councillor Ashley Dearnley, leader of Rochdale Conservatives, called for the removal of 'A' boards from outside local shops and businesses at the full council meeting on Wednesday evening (19 October). Citing the case of The Walk in Rochdale town centre, which is over-run at times with 'A' boards, he said the boards were an "obstruction" that caused problems for visually impaired pedestrians, wheelchair users and mothers with prams.

• http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/105689/proliferation-of-a-boards-on-the-walk-causing-concern

Councillor Dearnley asked what the Council intended to do about the problem.

Replying, Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell said a report about 'A' boards is due to be completed shortly and the council would be guided by the imminent report. 

However, "personally" he felt 'A' boards in narrow passages like The Walk should be banned; he agreed they caused difficulty in navigating the narrow passage. He also said research showed such boards did not bring retailers more custom. However, he went on to say he felt that 'A' boards should be allowed were they "could be accommodated".

Speaking to Rochdale Online after the council meeting, Greg Couzens, whose hairdressing salon is on The Walk, and who has lead the campaign for the boards to be banned, said he was pleased that Councillor Farnell agreed the boards should not be allowed on The Walk but expressed his disappointment that Councillor Farnell felt they were acceptable elsewhere.

He said: "I am delighted to have Councillor Farnell's support in my desire to see the back of 'A' boards on The Walk, they are unsightly and dangerous, but bemused that he considers them acceptable in other locations. One rule in one location and another rule in a different location is totally impractical and would make enforcement far more difficult. There should be a zero tolerance policy.

"As Councillor Farnell pointed out in the Council chamber, the boards do nothing to enhance a business or generate more custom, which therefore begs the question what is the point of them and why would he support them being retained in some locations?"