Concern as Oban ‘A-boards’ are removed without notice
Shop owners fear for their futures
Oban businesses and charities were left baffled on Friday after Argyll and Bute Council uplifted unauthorised advertisement boards without notifying the owners.
Several shop owners, who are positioned off the main street and rely on advertising, were fearing for their futures.
The council has since aplogised for taking the ‘A-boards’ without informing business owners.
Earlier this month, members of Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee unanimously decided to banish the unathorised boards, agreeing it would improve safety and accessibility, particularly for those with sight impairments and mobility difficulties.
However, it was thought owners would be notified beforehand and alternative solutions would be sought.
Iain Darling Butchers, trading as I Wynne & Son, which is positioned on Combie Street, spoke to The Oban Times. Mr Darling said: ‘If signs are blocking wheelchair users or the visually impaired, they have to be moved. I understand that 100 per cent. But if you are off the main street you need signs out to point people to where you are.
‘Basically, this is the local council working against good, family, Oban businesses.
‘Life is a struggle as it is without this sort of thing. I have had a sign out for nine years and there has never been a problem.’
Lisa Petrie from Abbies Cafe on Argyll Street said her sign was taken away on Friday morning before the cafe opened at 8am.
After going to the police station, her husband attended the council yard to retrieve their sign and was told he could take it, but could not display it on the street.
Lisa said: ‘Without a sign we would close, without a doubt.’
Charities such as The War and Peace Museum and Mary’s Meals were also left wondering where their sign had gone.
Area committee chairwoman councillor Elaine Robertson said: ‘I appreciate the removal of the A-boards and banners came as a shock and I apologise to businesses for the lack of notification.
‘Over the past 18 months the issue of A-boards and unauthorised banners – 106 in Oban – has been raised as an obstruction by members of the public and our partners BID4Oban. At the area committee earlier this month, members agreed unanimously that action had to be taken before the start of the season.
‘The A-boards have been uplifted and can be retrieved from the town yard.’
Andrew Spence, chief executive of BID4Oban, said: ‘We had not been made aware in advance that all signs would be removed without notice to the owners. Perhaps had this been done, some of the upset could have been mitigated.
‘Over the years, there have been numerous complaints regarding signs, particularly where it creates an obstruction to pedestrians and, more importantly, elderly, infirm and people with mobility issues.’
BID4Oban supports the council in removing unauthorised banners or boards that cause obstruction. Mr Spence would like to see advertising signs in Oban, for which there is funding.
‘To enable this to happen, however, we need the support of the council’s area committee,’ he said. ‘Until such signs are in place, perhaps the council could work with businesses that have been adversely affected.’
Councillor for Oban South and the Isles Jim Lynch said: ‘We have to get businesses on side and work out a solution. Traders are frightened because they are up side streets. A sign is hugely important to people that are off the main street.’
An Argyll and Bute spokesperson said: ‘We have clear guidance on street signs. This is designed to keep our pavements clutter-free for the public, particularly people with mobility difficulties or young families.
‘We apologise for clearing away the signs so quickly and without notifying the owners. The signs are stored safely and can be reclaimed by contacting our Mill Park Depot, Oban.’
Businesses are being advised to apply for a permit to display their signs.
The council’s policy on advertising signs can be found on www.bid4oban.co.uk