Retailer group hits back at new sign criticism
A LOCAL traders' representative has hit back at criticism of new signs advertising shops off Newmarket High Street.
Last week, a town trader claimed he felt he was being "forced " into having his name on the new sign.
But Marion Green, secretary of the Newmarket Retailers Association, said: "No one is forcing any retailer to sign up to the scheme but the majority of traders realise that the abundance of individual signs that litter our streets are giving our town a bad image."
Four new permanent signs have been ordered by Newmarket Town Council on which the names of shops in side streets will be displayed. Planning permission has now been granted for the signs and they are due to be in place by October.
Once they are installed the 'amnesty' which allowed traders to leave boards on the street will end and any shop which continues to use an unauthorised sign will face legal action.
"Newmarket Retailers' Association has been working closely with the town council on this project and a lot of time, effort and consultation has gone into it," said Mrs Green.
"Town residents are saying we need to address the image of Newmarket and the association is working hard along with the council to address the concerns raised."
The A boards controversy came to a head last year when former town mayor Jane Bailey, launched a campaign to clean up the town and remove them from the High Street.
But a number of traders in streets off the High Street – Old Station Road, Rous Road, Sun Lane and Wellington Street – argued they needed the boards to let shoppers know about their businesses.
They were invited to sign up to the new scheme or they would have to apply for planning permission which would only be valied for signs immediately outside their premises.
Now traders will pay nearly 400 a year to have their name displayed on the new black and gold signs. Their contributions will help pay for the signs.
Forest Heath District Council is also paying towards the scheme, together with the town council. Contributions are also being made from the local budgets of county councillors Lisa Chambers and Bill Sadler.
The next meeting of the retailers' association will be at The Mews at Palace House on Wednesday starting at 6pm.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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