Sandwich boards facing a ban from city centre

Published on Tuesday 28 July 2009 09:42

OFFICIALS are drawing up plans for a complete ban on sandwich boards outside shops in the city centre.

The plans would see the advertising boards banned from the entire World Heritage Site over claims they cause a safety hazard by blocking narrow pavements.

Some business owners have reacted angrily, branding the move an over-reaction, and say it could lead to a drop in trade.

The city council's environment management team is drafting the proposal to ban the sandwich boards – also known as A-boards – from the Old and New Town, and a report is expected by the end of the year, ahead of a consultation with residents and traders.

Similar adverts are already banned in Princes Street, and the council introduced new rules last year, which limit the size and number of A-boards. It is having a crackdown over the next few weeks to remove any that break the rules.

City centre councillor David Beckett said many residents would like to see a complete ban.

He said: "This is something people have been concerned about for a long time. It's bad just on a normal day, but when it's busy during the festival it can be dangerous. People have to walk in the road to avoid them.

"We've found the crackdowns are very successful, but within a few months they start coming back again. We want to help businesses at a difficult time, but this is a matter of health and safety. There are lots of other ways to advertise."

The Old Town Community Council is also supporting a ban. Bill Cowan, a committee member and owner of Costume HaHa, said: "The High Street has become like a hurdles race. Other cities in the world don't have A-boards, so why do we need them?"

Fawns Reid, who owns Fabhatrix and is chairwoman of the Grassmarket Area Traders' Association, said:

"Personally I don't like them. I think a banner could be just as effective."

Matt Dale, who runs Mr Wood's Fossils, on Candlemaker Row, said: "I've had my A-board for 20 years, and it's quite important to me. It would be very easy to overlook my shop if it wasn't there.

"There's plenty of room on the pavement and it doesn't cause any problems. The pubs with tables and chairs outside take up a lot more room.

"I can see the point of limiting the numbers, but they add to the vibrancy of the area."