Traders in a Ludlow who are protesting over plans to remove pavement advertising boards claim they are still waiting for answers from Shropshire Council over the issue.

And the businesspeople said they were considering whether to lodge complaints against councillors. A meeting took place between representatives of Shropshire Council and Ludlow traders and their solicitor on Thursday evening.

Sebastian Parker, from the Ludlow Cookshop, is one of the traders who said the loss of A-board advertising would drastically affect his shop.

Thirteen businesses have clubbed together for a solicitor.

A petition has been signed by more than 100 people.

Mr Parker said: “Traders are frustrated. We are going round in circles. The council invited us to a meeting but then when issues were raised, we didn’t feel they were clearly answered. The whole situation remains unresolved.”

Traders said the council had not supplied their solicitor with information on which advertising boards they believe could cause a danger, and in the three months since the pilot began, they said it was still unclear what land was privately owned and what belonged to the council.

Removing

Mr Parker said traders were not convinced the council knew the correct legal procedure for removing the boards.

He added: “Traders are concerned at lack of honest and precise feedback from the council.”

Steve Brown, head of environmental maintenance with Shropshire Council, said: “A new pilot scheme was introduced in Ludlow and Bridgnorth in April this year to address concerns about A-boards obstructing the pavement, and about their impact on the appearance of the towns, whilst aiming to recognise the value that such boards play in promoting local businesses.

“Shropshire Council invited a small number of Ludlow traders and their solicitor to a private meeting on Thursday to give them the opportunity to raise and discuss their concerns about the pilot A-board scheme. We would like to thank all who attended.

“Many of the concerns raised by the traders were addressed at the meeting. Responses to any concerns that couldn’t be answered will be provided shortly.

“If any other traders have any questions or concerns about the pilot scheme we ask them to contact the council and we will be happy to answer them.”

By Hannah Costigan