A BAN on advertising boards across Colchester has been branded an “insult” to small businesses trying their best to turn a profit.

Up to 20 boards are still on display across Colchester town centre despite a blanket ban implemented by Colchester Council.

Bosses approved the crackdown as part of a public spaces protection order, which will see aggressive begging and some forms of antisocial behaviour banned from the town.

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

He added: “I have no problem with the order in place to deal with problems of antisocial behaviour caused by alcohol and drug-taking.

“But parking this ban on the end of it is actually pretty insulting to small businesses.

“Is the council seriously saying that A-boards cause the same level of issues as people on drugs and alcohol? If they are saying that, it shows a level of formless sense I find staggering.”

“Businesses already can’t promote anything by using leaflets or materials outside their business“Businesses are not allowed to use leaflets outside.

“This is now another ban which limits how the small businesses, the coffee shops and cafes, can promote what they have to offer.

“Where there is an issue with accessibility, then yes, by all means the council should take action on an individual basis.

“Enforcement should be the last straw, there should be sensible conversation with the businesses.”

Mr Wicks added that many businesses were not even aware of the order until it had been put in place.

During a month-long consultation, a petition against the A-board prohibition was presented to the council with 82 signatures from businesses.

Mr Wicks, 43, added: “A-boards are an important part of a retailer’s business in encouraging people to step through the front door.

“We will be writing to Paul Smith (leader) and Adrian Pritchard (chief executive) to express our disappointment at the fact they have gone down this route.

“With Christmas weeks away, the council should be doing everything it can to support business in the town. This seems to be the total opposite of that.

“If this time of year goes wrong for retailers it can mean the end of them.

Mike Lilley, councillor responsible for public safety, said the ban is an attempt to attract disabled people to the town who previously found the streets difficult to navigate due to A-boards.

He added companies still displaying advertising boards would face fines, saying: “We had two public meetings and an extended consultation over this.

“Businesses should not have to rely on boards to advertise, a blanket ban was the best and easiest way to ensure they are not obstructive.

“It works elsewhere and it will here.”