A BLANKET ban on A boards is unfair and damaging to small businesses, it has been claimed.

Colchester Council’s crackdown on A boards comes after a Public Space Protection Order told businesses to remove them from pavements.

But veteran Green campaigner Mark Goacher told Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting the businesses concerned were upset by the decision.

He said: “They received only one letter when the decision had already been made.

“There were about 50 small businesses who hadn’t received any sort of consultation letter.

“They are angry a blanket ban has been brought in, they feel it is going to damage footfall. Many businesses feel this is the last straw.

“It’s not the time when the town centre is in trouble to be hitting small businesses. It needs to be tackled in the areas where there is a problem, but not everywhere.”

He said the A boards did not take up much room on the pavement compared to tables and chairs outside some businesses.

However, wheelchair user and Colchester mayor Gerard Oxford said now the A boards had gone it was easier to get through the town.

He said: “It makes life easier to get around without having to move around obstacles.

“There’s absolutely no necessity for A boards outside businesses, they could all have a bracket above the shop which does the same thing.”

Mike Lilley (Lab), councillor responsible for public safety, said there had been more than 300 A boards around the town centre.

He said the council had gone the extra mile to consult businesses and had taken the matter to the scrutiny panel.

He added: “They are a nuisance and they had to go and what a difference it makes to the town.

“I’m sorry businesses are upset and we will have a review after six months to look at the pluses and minuses but it will stay in place as it is a good thing.”

He said it was not his intention to attack small businesses.

A petition against the A board prohibition was presented to the council with 82 signatures and complaints have also been made about the order to remove displays from North Station Road.

Iain Wicks, development manager of the Essex Federation of Small Businesses, labelled the new rules an “insult” to small businesses.

The matter was discussed at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.