THE banning of advertising boards on the pavements of Okehampton town centre has sparked outcry — and a growing concern among the town's traders, who are now hoping that 'common sense' will prevail. West Devon Borough Council's decision to ban A- boards on the streets of Okehampton was reported in last week's Times. Following this report, the Okehampton Chamber of Trade have been busy handling complaints from shopkeepers and traders. Chairman of the chamber Ian Bailey said: 'Everyone who has contacted us has been very concerned that their businesses are going to be adversely affected by this decision. 'The chamber is organising a special committee meeting to make a decision on how we are going to make an appeal to the borough council to get this decision changed.' Mr Bailey has expressed a concern that the A- boards ban will see small businesses losing valuable trade and has called on the borough council to see sense. Mr Bailey said: 'In a year which is forecast as being very difficult, it worries me that a lot of small businesses in town will lose valuable trade. 'An A-board is often the only way a business can show it is open and attract people, especially when it is not in Fore Street. 'Pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops all like to promote special offers on these boards.' In response to the borough council's concerns regarding the safety aspects of these signs, Mr Bailey said: 'I must say that we have never had one instance of accident or nuisance reported to the chamber. 'I can only hope that common sense will prevail and the council will realise the importance of business in Okehampton.' West Devon Borough Council planners say they are aware of the sensitivity of the issue but feel the number of signs now 'detract' from historic towns and are an 'inconvenience' to pedestrians. They have suggested that a small number of well designed, fixed shared signs would be preferablee to the individual boards.
