Colchester Council A-board ban is 'playing with our livelihoods'

In October, Colchester Council public safety boss Mike Lilley introduced a public spaces protection order, which - among other actions - banned shops and businesses from using the A-boards.

Mr Lilley took the decision in a bid to make the town centre more accessible for wheelchair users and blind and partially-sighted people.

But traders say the ban is too harsh and is already affecting their takings.

They now plan to stage a protest against the move in a bid to force the council into re-think.

On the move - the group march in Eld Lane

Shahid Zaman, who runs Belle Love, in Eld Lane, said: “The council has said there will be a review after six months - that could be too late.

“The damage could already have been done and they are playing with people’s livelihoods.”

The 40-year-old added: “The first many businesses knew about this was when we received a letter from the council on October 24, telling us this blanket ban was going to happen.

“They say there was a consultation - none of us were asked. We were told what was going to happen.”

Mr Zaman claims just 26 out of more than 280 town centre businesses were consulted on the plans.

Council documents show just 11 negative responses to the plans cited A-boards, a figure Mr Zaman says would be higher if there had been a wide consultation.

Council boss - Mike Lilley

He added: “Everyone knows there is a problem with the boards but it is in one, maybe two places, in Short Wyre Street and possibly Trinity Street.

“Yet Mr Lilley has imposed a complete town centre blanket ban to punish us all.”

Before the ban, Mr Zaman used one standard A-board, which cost him £500. He has now spent £800 on mounting a newly-constructed board to the wall of his shop.

He added: “The council isn’t going to pay for that is it? Colchester has got so much potential but the council risks ruining it for everyone with this vanity project.”

The group now plan to put their A-boards out to conform with Essex County Council regulations, which state one board per business can be used.

Elaine Jiggins, who runs Caffe Sala, said: “The problem is, we just don’t look open. That’s what our customers are telling us.

“We are trying as hard as we can here to grow our business but the council has put a stop on that.”

Since the ban came in, Mrs Jiggins has seen year on year growth of less than ten per cent, set against highs of 25 per cent and 30 per cent before the ban.

She added: “People will say: ‘What’s the problem? The business is growing,’ but my costs have gone up by more than nine per cent in a year.

“It makes a huge difference when you’re employing people and paying wages.”

A Colchester Council spokesman said the authority consulted more widely than the law requires and two scrutiny panel sessions were held.

He also said PSPOs do not need to be put on the key decisions list.

He added: “Using guidance from the Local Government Association, published in May 2017, we have followed the recommendations set out.

“At a recent RNIB meeting, the council was commended for finally taking action that would allow their members to shop safely in the town centre.

“Since the PSPO came into force, the council has offered further one-to-one advice with business affected by the A-board ban on ways to display various kinds of alternative signs from their premises.

“The issue is relevant throughout the town, as an A-board is a hazard to a disabled person no matter how wide the pavement.

“A total ban not only removes all hazards, but also creates an equal foundation upon which all businesses can operate.”

“It means that we can apply the same rules fairly and consistently across the whole of the restricted area – and are seen to do so.”