Pavement advert rules relaxed - but £5m insurance is a must

Stringent limits on pavement advertising in two Shropshire market towns have been relaxed by council chiefs - as long as businesses provide public liability insurance of up to £5 million.

Shropshire Council is now saying traders in Ludlow and Bridgnorth can have two A-boards outside advertising their store, rather than the one, providing insurance is obtained for health and safety reasons.

Bosses say the insurance will cover the council against "any accidents or claims which may arise, or be attributable to, the presence of 'the equipment' on the public highway either during the time they are being erected in position or being removed".

Business owners in the two towns had hit out at the plans to limit the use of A-boards, saying they could damage trade.

Councillor Martin Taylor Smith, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said: "We have always recognised that A-boards help local shops, especially in the current economic conditions, and can be a benefit to a vibrant market town.

"However, having listened carefully to the views and concerns of local businesses we have identified the need to revise the A- board criteria."

The revised scheme will operate with immediate effect.

Sarah Clarke, from the Ludlow Laundry, said: "The council should stick to their responsibility of keeping the streets cleaned and leave us traders alone."