BURTON'S streets may be freshened up in the near future after the Government encouraged councils to clear England's cluttered towns.
The targets of the call - made by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles - are unnecessary road signs, railings, and advertising hoardings that litter some areas.
It comes in an attempt to make streets safer and tidier, as well as maintaining the individual character of the country¡¯s townships and villages.
As a result, Mr Pickles and Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond have contacted local councils asking them to alleviate the problem.
Staffordshire county councillor Mike Maryon, cabinet member for highways, commented: ¡°We will need to look carefully at any guidance issued on this matter by Government, but in general terms the county council is supportive of moves to reduce street clutter.
¡°In some areas, particularly in our towns, the number of signs, railings, white lines, etc has grown over the years to the point where they do impact on the street scene. We believe action needs to be taken to reduce this street clutter, and a new approach to managing traffic and pedestrians in town centres is needed.
¡°We are already considering what should be done, but to simply remove signs and pedestrian guard rails with insufficient thought could create safety problems and put lives at risk.¡± The Government has advised that locals can play their part in helping the idea by carrying out street audits and appealing to their councils.
A Department of Transport review on traffic sign policy that will suggest how to best deal with the issue is expected later this year.
In previous times Burton Civic Society has worked alongside the council to clear the streets of vacant posts and advertising boards that fill railings around the town.
Valerie Burton, president of the civic society, backs the idea. She said: ¡°I¡¯d support anything to remove street clutter from around the place. The amount of railings and signs may be unnecessary in some areas, but I think each one would need to be judged on its own merits.
¡°If you go around Burton there are signs that are out of date. For example, I¡¯ve seen a sign alerting people to the new road layout ahead, although that¡¯s not needed there now as it¡¯s been that way for a while.¡± ¡ö Do you live on a road with too many unneccessary signs? If so call us on 01283 512345.
