A council has banned advertising boards in a bid to de-clutter the streets.

West Sussex County Council has told shops and businesses in Worthing town centre it could use its powers under the Highways Act to force them to remove the A-boards if the request is ignored.

The boards are a potential obstruction under the Act and shops are being reminded they could be liable for any accidents which they cause.

Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, highways and transport spokesman, said: "The council is not anti-business and appreciates shops are keen to advertise but boards on the public highway are not the place for this.

"Not only do they cause serious problems for people with mobility and sight difficulties, they also spoil the street scene. A town such as Worthing deserves a much tidier one than it has at present.

"At the end of the day, the cost to a business could be much more than they gain from attracting a few extra customers."

He said ladder boards, which are fixed in permanent locations, were a better option.

Thursday, August 4, 2005