Limit on A-boards in Wolverhampton streets

Businesses in Wolverhampton will be limited to just one advertising board outside their premises, under plans announced today.

The new rules proposed by the city council relate to A-boards, and tables and chairs outside shops, cafes and bars.

Under the plans, firms will only be able to display one A-board while ensuring that just under 5ft is available from the edge of the pavement so shoppers can get past with ease.

Regeneration chief, councillor Peter Bilson, said: "We are committed to helping businesses prosper and enhance and promote the city for residents, shoppers and visitors.

"We want to work closely with all traders to promote their businesses and also improve the streets. It is also a balancing act in that we need to ensure pedestrians are able to move safely and freely on streets."

But businesses in Wolverhampton claimed it could damage trade and vowed to fight the proposal.

Anthony Wilson, manager at The Money Shop, Market Street, which has two A-boards, said he would be attending any meetings on the matter to make his objections heard.

Mr Wilson, said: "I understand what they are doing because there are places with five boards outside.

"But I don't see that my boards are doing any harm. Effectively, the new rule would halve my external advertising."

Alex Jones, is assistant manager at Cash Converters, Queen Street, which also has two boards.

He said: "This is one of the busiest roads in Wolverhampton because it's the main route from the bus station so being able to advertise only have my services outside will affect trade.

"I'd like to see the rules kept as they are."

A consultation on the plans will be launched on July 1 and last 12 weeks.

Councillor Peter Bilson said the changes were part of the authority's commitment to "helping businesses prosper" and enhancing the city for residents, shoppers and visitors.

He said: "With this we want to work closely with all traders."