Wirral Council urged to re-think shop sign charging plans

Sep 16 2009 by Carrie Catterall, Birkenhead News

He said: “It just boggles the mind. These signs have been used since for decades – I just think it’s ridiculous to turn around one day and say now you have to pay.

“What will they charge us for next?”

Liscard councillor Leah Fraser, who supports the Shop Local Campaign said: "The council's timing couldn't be worse.

“When so many of our small shops are doing their best to survive the recession, the last thing they need is yet more charges and red tape.

“It's not in any of our interests for yet more shopping areas to become ghost towns."

But Wirral Council says it is supporting local business but as a responsible authority for managing public rights of access, it has a duty to ensure public safety.

A spokesman said: “For this reason, an application and permit system is being rolled out across the borough for businesses wishing to use footpaths as display or advertising space.

“We are fully committed to supporting local companies to flourish and encouraging new business opportunities wherever possible.”