Controversial A-boards still blight town centre conservation area

A-boards on The Walk

A town centre conservation area is still blighted by controversial A-boards.

The boards proliferate on both sides of The Walk, the narrow ginnel in the heart of Rochdale, and have sparked concern in recent years for the visually impaired, wheelchair users, parents with prams and the elderly.

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

Town centre hairdresser dresser Greg Couzens, who owns a salon on The Walk, said: “I have been trading on The Walk for over 35 years; my loyalty towards regeneration is paramount.

“My concern is why have the A-boards not been removed from The Walk? It was agreed by all parties at full council over six months ago and action has not been implemented.

“Rochdale  Council are failing to comply with the conservation area rules; we are blighted with A boards, flashing LED lights, plastic windows, illegal signs, illegal shop fronts and illegal shutters. The Walk is disgraceful.

“A simple solution is to adhere to the conservation area rules; it is almost zero cost and will have a huge immediate and positive effect.”

The Walk is not the only street in Rochdale Town Centre to be covered with A boards, over 30 boards can be counted from the bottom of Yorkshire Street to Baillie Street. 

Both streets are encompassed within a Conservation Area boundary. 

Mark Robinson, assistant director of economy at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We are aware of the issue with A-boards and visited the businesses in The Walk this week to discuss it. We are now looking at a number of options, including installing some new signage which will remove the need for A-boards.

“Businesses and residents with other concerns, including shop fronts, are asked to report any possible breaches in planning law and we will investigate the issue.”

Local authorities are required under The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to survey conservation areas to preserve and enhance the architecture or historical interests.