advertising boards could be banned

BUSINESSES have hit back against council plans to remove traditional A boards from Cardiff city centre.

Cardiff council says it wants to change the design of advertising boards used in the city so they are not an obstruction to the blind or partially-sighted.

But businesses say this move does not demonstrate support for high street traders in a challenging climate.

Adrian Field, executive director of FOR Cardiff, said businesses were given less than three weeks to respond to the council’s consultation.

He said: “It’s well documented that the UK’s high streets are in a parlous state and businesses need all the support they can get to thrive in this challenging climate.

“We believe that the proposal to potentially remove all A Boards from the city centre by Cardiff council is not something that demonstrates a commitment to support businesses and the local economy.”

Nick Newman, chairman of Cardiff Licensees Forum, also has concerns about how removing A boards could impact on businesses.

He said: “I’m aware of a consultation process that is looking to limit or even stop the use of A boards.

“This would be particularly problematic for all businesses but in particular small independent businesses who rely on these things.”

Currently, businesses are allowed just one A frame per property and they need a licence to use them.

Traders which use an A frame without a licence will be visited by the council shortly and could face legal action. The council has “strongly encouraged” these businesses to get in contact as quickly as possible to avoid legal action.