Signs of the times or hideous hoardings?
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A former Highland councillor has waded into battle over the proliferation of advertising signboards in historic Dornoch.
Town square resident Duncan Allan, now in his eighties and retired, has accused the local authority of failing to clamp down on the rising number of stand-alone advertising boards placed by retailers on pavements throughout the town.
And he also takes a pop at community councillors and ward councillors – claiming they are too scared to demand action.
The issue first came into the public eye at the start of the summer season in May last year when a local householder, who did not want to be named, complained bitterly about the signs.
The woman was particularly perturbed at the boards in the town’s conservation area.
She claimed they were the first thing to be seen on driving into Dornoch and gave visitors a poor impression.
"I think all those sandwich boards make the place look tacky which is a real shame," she said.
At the time Highland Council area community works manager Graham Mackenzie said he had been made aware of the concerns.
But Mr Mackenzie indicated officials were "quite relaxed" about it as long as the pavement was not obstructed to the extent that two prams could not get by side by side.
Nevertheless, he asked principal engineer Simon Young to look into the matter and report back to him.
The issue died down at the end of the 2010 tourist season but has now surfaced again with a vengeance.
Mr Allan, Craigroyston, Castle Street, claims there are, on an average day, more than 40 "illegal" advertising boards "littering the streets".
He says: "Complaints to the so-called authorities are met with no response, or else evasions. What has happened to the firm smack of local government?
"Has nobody the courage to sweep these hideous and quite unnecessary hoardings away? Has local government become paralysed?"
And, in a stab at the community council, he asked: "Are our own provost and our own councillors terrified to show leadership and take a stand?
"It is time to tell our elected representatives to stop shivering with fear in the sidelines and show courage."
Community council vice-chairman Willie Melville said a two-sided, two-metre-wide sign was due shortly to be situated in the Square outside the Jail.
"I hope that we can perhaps encourage retailers who put out the A boards to advertise on this sign instead – whether it will work or not, I don’t know," he said.
Sutherland and Edderton ward councillor Jim McGillivray said he was well aware of the issue but his sympathies lay with retailers.
He said: "The Dornoch economy has suffered considerably in the last few years with the closure of the council offices at the Meadows and the shutdown of the abattoir – nearly 100 jobs have been removed from local spend.
"Whilst conceding in full measure the growth of pavement signage – and I have a full photographic record of the signs – I cannot bring it upon myself, as one of the worst recessions in living memory drags inexorably on, to start a persecution of local businesses and traders who feel that they need to market their goods and services in this way to maintain commercial viability."
Councillor McGillivray added: "The coming summer season will be a major source of income for these businesses – the small commercial operations upon whom UK national government is pinning so much hope as it constricts its public sector investment – and I’m sure, as a former Dornoch businessman, and indeed Provost in his day, Mr Allan will concede this stance."
Councillor McGillivray said he intended to meet with all businesses using street signage at the end of this summer season to try to agree a way forward for the 2012 season.
"If this is not to the public satisfaction, then I may be held to full and personal account at the May 2012 council elections should I decide to stand again," he said.
Area transport, environment and community services manager Campbell Stewart commented: "As the roads authority, the council has the power to remove these signs but we use that power with discretion.
"We did have a look at this last year along with the local member and decided to leave the signs, as long as they were not impeding pedestrian access.
"This was agreed because it was felt the signs were only there for a short time during the summer season and also because local businesses needed to be supported.
"I think it is a fair decision, although we do appreciate Duncan Allan’s view on the matter.
"Obviously we will continue to monitor the situation and if it gets worse, then we will need to think again."
