New guidelines aim to end Pitlochry’s A-board menace

New steps are being taken to end the A-board menace that for some has blighted the streets of Pitlochry for far too long.

The signs are hugely important to the popular tourist town’s businesses as they attempt to attract customers.

To many pedestrians however – including wheelchair users and those with pushchairs – they are a big problem.

Pitlochry and Moulin Community Council has been among those warning pavements have become a minefield littered with A-boards, tables and chairs and novelty items such as giant ice cream cones and blow-up Santas.

Now businesses in the town have been contacted to ask them to ensure pavements remain passable for all.

Rather than banning advertising boards altogether, the council has issued guidelines on what is considered acceptable use.

Businesses are reminded it is an offence to place items on a public road or pavement without the permission of the roads authority.

And letters warn businesses that don’t comply will have their boards removed and disposed of.

Gillian Edwards, from the Centre For Inclusive Living Perth and Kinross, said inappropriately placed advertising boards often made pavements “very difficult to negotiate”.

“Boards are often blown over, or their placement actually stops people from getting into the venue as they are blocking the doors or street crossings,” she said.

“Hopefully businesses can be responsible with their placement, allowing everyone to be able to pass them safely.”

Council leader Ian Campbell has backed the measures, saying: “I completely understand that businesses are using advertising boards to try and entice customers off the street, but it is in everyone’s interests to make sure the streets of Pitlochry are as welcoming and accessible as possible.”