'Irate businesses must find other ways to advertise' 

With reference to the Gazette’s report (January 5) regarding our town’s traders’ impending protests in opposition of the recent ban on A-boards, one wonders how these people advertised their businesses before the introduction of these unwanted hazards cluttering up our pavements.

I particularly noted in your report not one of these traders had the decency to acknowledge or show any consideration or regard of how difficult life can be for the blind, partially-sighted people, wheelchair users and parents with babies and toddlers in pushchairs.

They all have the right to shop in our town without having to manoeuvre their entrance to shops via the present ban on A-boards.

As one who supports Colchester’s Council public safety boss Mike Lilley’s right decision on banning all A-boards in our town, he obviously is a man who cares for the safety of those people I have mentioned.

Although the traders are of the opinion the ban on A-boards is harsh, have these people ever considered advertising their businesses in our local papers, putting posters in their windows, or employing a person to hand out flyers to our town’s shoppers.

It would stop these protests of the dreaded A-boards and would no doubt be cheaper than having the high costs of A-boards.

Suzette Mizen
Barrington Road, Colchester

Consultation on A-boards flawed

The independent businesses of Colchester are frustrated concerning the division and demonisation being handed out in our direction.

We hold the very same vision as Colchester Council for a cohesive and compassionate community irrespective of creed, colour or physical impairment.

So unless being a moral compass is a function of Colchester Council, where is there a problem?

It is fact at least 50-plus businesses were not informed by the council of the two public scrutiny sessions.

Nor were they informed of the proposed change of A-board policy as part of the public consultation process.

The paid services department has informed them it was the businesses’ responsibility to read the local press.

The leader, councillor Paul Smith, has received evidence to prove the consultation process was flawed.

He has responded the process was properly undertaken because he was present at scrutiny meetings. He declines to engage further.

In the interest of democracy we hope those who elevated Councillor Smith to the position of leader, or councillors in opposition, will now act on our behalf to take the matter forward.

Public officers will be familiar with the required standard of the Nolan Principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness and honesty.

This standard is there to protect the democracy and ultimately the electorate.

We ask that you would do us proud.

Shahid Zaman
Eld Lane, Colchester

Tables and chairs don’t break rules

Readers will draw their own conclusion.

The A-board outside Colchester’s newest restaurant, near the town hall, has now been removed because it does not comply with the borough council’s policy.

But the 16 chairs and eight tables can stay because they are not affected by the ban on A-boards.

Sir Bob Russell
Catchpool Road, Colchester

Ban has made town more attractive

The A-boards were an eyesore and a nuisance and very bad news for the visually impaired.

Colchester is now a more attractive town to visit.

Richard Edwardson
Tolliday Close, Wivenhoe