I was going to show you a photo of local boxing champion Carl Froch today, but there was another demonstration in the square today. This time it was local shopkeepers who where up in arms against the council, and their rather draconian plan to rid all the streets of 'A' boards. I bet you all think that the population of Nottingham is always demonstrating against something. It's just that there tends to be more these days, and obviously I try to report them all. I don't think we'll ever beat the French farmers though!
As you can see from my photo, these 'A' boards are a form of advertising for small shops who may not otherwise be noticed by the public. But the council want to get rid of them as they say they are a hindrance to both blind people and roadsweepers, and they help to make the streets look untidy. I don't know if there has been any studies done, but I doubt that there has been very few accidents.
Do you have such things where you live?
It's the same deal in Stockholm. The side-walks are filled with these big and unnecessary boards and other things as well, so there's hardly any room for for pedestrians or wheelchairs.
ReplyDeleteQuite a lot, actually, and much taller than these. But then, Manila isn't known for being a pedestrian or disabled friendly city :(
ReplyDeleteThis also is part of English culture and tradition. It is just ludicrous to try to get rid of them. Such things are pissing me off proper. Councils members are supposed to serve the citisens - not terrorise. Disgusting.
ReplyDeleteUp the Shop Keepers.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, it seems that the City Council is intent on getting rid of these boards in the city centre only, not in the outlying shopping centres such as Sherwood or Hyson Green.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they're next... or maybe this is another 'tarting up the city centre' exercise (like getting rid of the beggars, which they did a few years ago).
So it's Foch off today then to make room for the A boards. Sorry couldn't resist. I like Nottingham's Anarchistic streak. We don't have many, maybe because we hardly have any shops left. I am off to Google A board accidents.
ReplyDeleteWe are having the same here. Glad to see your people doing something about it in protest. It makes a great photo. I guess councils are trying to meet some government target, I bet they really don't care about A boards!
ReplyDeleteWe do have A boards in the US (though not in that quantity :)
ReplyDeleteThey aren't much of a hazard for the pedestrians and disabled people because the shop keepers try to put them right next to a large flower barrel, pole, etc.