Wirral Council urged to re-think plans to charge shops for displaying signs outside their business

Sep 16 2009 by Carrie Catterall, Heswall News

BUSINESS leaders are calling for an urgent re-think on “money-grabbing” council plans to charge for shop signs.

Over the next six months shop and business owners wanting to display boards outside their premises will be forced to pay £50 for the first year and then £40 for every subsequent year.

Those wanting shop displays will have to pay £75 for the first year and £60 for every year after that.

Ken Davies, of the Wirral Chamber of Commerce, and Paul Henly, policy manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, this week urged the council to re-think the plans.

Mr Davies said: “These are extraordinarily difficult times for our members. The council’s timing is all wrong.”

Mr Henly added: “All too often the public sector says how much it wants to help the private sector and this plan slaps that remark in the face.

“We condemn this money- grabbing exercise and urge the council to support its businesses, particularly on the high street instead of imposing unnecessary charges on them.”

Terry Hunter, who launched a Shop Local Campaign in Liscard earlier this year to try and encourage people to use their small local shops, is disheartened by these charges.

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.”