A clampdown is planned for advertising boards in Oban town centre amid concern that the street advertising could cause an obstruction to pedestrians, particularly those using wheelchairs and prams.
Ross McLaughlin, Argyll and Bute Council’s development manager, said that most of the signs do not have the required permission to be there.
Mr McLaughlin said: “Councillors have raised concerns about the number of advertising boards appearing in Oban town centre.
“There are a variety of signs advertising everything from fitness classes to boat trips, restaurants and cafes.
“In the majority of cases it does appear that these are unauthorized and they do not have the necessary permission required.
“In terms of enforcement we don’t want to get into a war. There has to be a pragmatic approach to this.”
He said the council currently only has two enforcement officers to cover the whole of Argyll and Bute.
The authority is currently developing a new advertising strategy which would give businesses the opportunity to use alternative platforms, such as LED screens.
Councillor Roddy McCuish, Lead Councillor for Oban Lorn and the Isles, said that the signs have been appearing as the new pavements are gradually being completed by council contractors.
He said: “We really are going to have to work with Bid4Oban and the planning department to get something done about this because these pavements may look big but we are still to put in the bins and other street furniture.
“As much as businesses need as much support as possible, the residents of the town need support to be able to get about round this town. I saw someone with a buggy recently and it was like a slalom trying to get along the pavement.”
Derek Connery, BID4Oban manager, said the general mood of businesses in the town was that they are in favour of a measured approach, with perhaps only one advertising board to be allowed per business, and not to be chained to other people’s property.
There is exiting legislation in place that people who place signage on pavements should abide by.
As part of the council’s new advertising strategy, there will be stakeholder engagement.
