Published: 21/08/2008 00:00 - Updated: 19/02/2009 09:29

New move to get rid of street clutter

by ADRIAN JENKINS

COMMUNITY leaders have published plans designed to rid Burton and Uttoxeter of 'careless and unco-ordinated street furniture anarchy'.

Staffordshire County Council hopes its street trading policy will improve town centres while protecting pedestrians.

It says its target is the 'cafe culture-style clutter' which tends to increase during summer as businesses battle to gain the edge over their rivals.

The authority's policy sets out when and how street advertising boards and furniture can be put on the pavement and considers issues such as access for blind and partially sighted people and those using wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Cabinet member for economic regeneration and sustainable communities John Wakefield said it was important traders read and followed the policy.

He said: "Traders and businesses are keen to promote their goods and services and, particularly in summer, want to create a continental pavement cafe culture.

"That is understandable, and when carefully co-ordinated it can really enhance the street environment and encourage people into town, generating more prosperity and jobs.

"But careless and unco-ordinated street furniture anarchy can make our towns and villages unsightly and dangerous, putting shoppers off and potentially putting them at serious risk. It is totally counterproductive.

"Getting about the shops can be a perilous exercise for disabled people. A-boards, poorly sited chairs, tables and barriers, waste bins and other furniture can make it an obstacle course and push vulnerable citizens off the pavement into the road.

"That's why the team has put so much effort into creating a comprehensive guide to best practice, putting pavement culture on a safe and sensible footing."

He said that 'the last thing' traders should want is to make streets hostile and off-putting and warned that they could be held liable if there was an accident.

Details of the street trading policy can be found on the authority's website, www.staffordshire.gov.uk/transport/staffshighways/policies.