The Essex Access Forum has launched a campaign relating to the use of 'A' boards by local traders.  Details of the campaign may be found below:

'Member Groups that have an active interest in the long-running debate about the menace caused by "A" boards and other such street clutter will find the recent joint statement made by the Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (CLG), and Philip Hammond Department for Transport (DfT) to be of significant interest:
 
www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/1699481
 
This joint letter to Local Authorities encourages councils to develop policies which will support persuasion towards change…
 
Your group will be only too well aware of the futility, over decades, of seeking to eliminate by persuasion the menace caused by "A" Boards, particularly where traders are concerned; equally you will be well aware of the totally inadequate powers afforded local authorities by current laws/statutory regulation to deal effectively with this matter. Many groups will have frequently witnessed the frustrations experienced by those local authorities which have ventured to adopted positive policies, and thereby to have actively sought to at least regulate this menace, only to find themselves rapidly embroiled, at significant expense, in the inevitably "revolving door" farce of no sooner having confiscated rogue "A" Boards than being obliged, immediately, by law, to return them to the offending traders for continued use as an identical public nuisance…    
 
Clearly, while the ministers’ interest in this topic continues, it would be an opportune moment, particularly in the spirit of the Big Society, to urge both your local MP and the chief executives of your local authorities (district and county) to seek a realistic review by Mr Pickles and Mr Hammond of the feeble legal powers available to remove informal street clutter from the streets of our communities.

Doubtless many of the national charities that represent the interests of disabled and vulnerable pedestrians would also welcome an opportunity to engage with CLG and DfT for effective change on this issue.
 
Please keep the Essex Access Forum informed of any action taken, and any significant support/reactions, in this matter.'

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