An ongoing saga over street clutter in Oban is to be resolved by official signs replacing adhoc notice boards around the busy bay area of the town.
After a series of complaints over removed signs, Argyll and Bute Council and BID4Oban Ltd now say they want to find a solution to cut down on “A Board” pavement signs in the town, while improving information to residents and visitors.
It has been announced that new notice boards with maps will be installed around the town to allow businesses in some of the side streets of Oban to highlight they are there, rather than resort to a clutter of pavement A-Frames.
It was confirmed that advertising on some of the notice boards will be cost neutral for the businesses on a not for profit basis.
The notice boards, to be managed by BID4Oban, will be to the same specification as the street furniture installed during the Oban town centre improvements some years ago.
Andrew Spence, chief executive of BID4Oban, said: “We are pleased that we have managed to make progress on this important issue by working with Argyll and Bute Planning.
“It is essential that we have a clean and tidy well-maintained town centre and provide information to any visitors to the town.
“There will be advertising on notice boards and those that are in the side streets or off the main town centre streets will have priority to advertise on these.
“It is essential that once the process starts that businesses apply for permissions for any A-Frames or additional signage. There is a clear policy that is available on both BID4Oban and Argyll and Bute websites.”
Councillor David Kinniburgh, policy lead for planning and regulatory services, said: “Too much street clutter makes it almost impossible for people with mobility issues, or families with young children, to use the footway safely. And, to be honest, when there is too much signage, it can be confusing.”
Jim Tolmie, of Oban and District Access Panel, said: “We support the proposals to actively enforce a clear and understandable policy on individual business advertising throughout the Oban area.”
A new webpage guiding applicants through the process will soon be available, and BID4Oban will, in the future, provide additional support for local businesses.
