TRADERS are fuming over plans to ban “dangerous” advertising boards from outside town centre shops.

Campaigners for the disabled and visually impaired have backed the plans by Colchester Council, claiming the boards pose a real health risk.

Ron Levy, secretary of Colchester Retail and Business Association, said traders feared the plans would hit their livelihoods.

He said: “In its report, the council has pledged to help businesses in the town.

“But by fully removing every single A-board, some of the traders feel it would not be helpful to their business at all.

“I agree there are probably risks – but life is full of risks.”

Mr Levy said the council’s local development framework committee raised the matter, as its felt the boards were a danger and obstruction.

He added: “I have spoken to some of the traders. Some of these A-boards are quite expensive, costing several hundred pounds.

“While they may be an obstruction to the highway, I don’t think there have been any complaints or accidents.

“My opinion is they add colour and character to shopping areas.

“When you get small shopping areas with independent traders, many are struggling to survive. So somehow you have to strike a balance.”

Gary Page, owner of Era clothes shop, in Short Wyre Street, said: “We rely on these A-boards. I have had one outside my shop for ten years. There has been a bit of a proliferation, but it is because we need them more than ever.

“It may be they need to be a certain size.”

But Phil Lee, chairman of campaign group Fair Access to Colchester, said it was lobbying Essex County Council to introduce a county-wide policy on A-boards, which would work for traders and people with disabilities.

He said an audit it conducted showed there were 300 A-boards in just five of Colchester town centre’s streets.

Mr Lee said in some cases shops had up to three A-boards outside, which he said was excessive and meant visually impaired people and guide dogs often struggled to negotiate them.

“In some places there are so many A-boards you have to walk in the road, or it is difficult to get past. If you can imagine, a totally blind person has to make a mental map of the town. It has been known for one of our members to fall over one of these.”

Nick Barlow, councillor responsible for economic development, culture and tourism, said the proposals were part of its public realm strategy and discussions were still in their early stages.

He added: “There is a balance to be struck. Traders say they need them, but the narrow streets can be difficult for some people.”