TRADERS have slammed the county council for telling them to remove their advertising boards from the pavements of Borehamwood during tough economic times.

Frustrated shopkeepers received letters from Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) last week, telling them they could be prosecuted if they did not immediately take the signs off the public highways.

County Hall was acting in response to complaints made by Hertsmere borough councillors and sent 13 letters to businesses in Shenley Road.

Amanda Hardy, of Barkers Estate and Lettings Agents, said: “I don't think it's showing businesses that are paying their rates and bringing people into the town any respect.

“It's like kicking someone when they are down, if they want more empty shops then this is the right way to go about it.”

Mick Churchill, of Crystal Moon, in Drayton Road, said: “It's hard enough to make a living at the moment. I don't know why the councillors have got nothing better to do than pick on the shopkeepers.

“The high street will be bare. It's ludicrous, everyone does it and I think it makes the street look more interesting. It's just going to be bland pavements.”

HCC say the boards need to be removed because they can be an obstruction to the public.

However, Ms Hardy said: “As a local business, we've always had our board between two posts. I have never seen anyone walking between the posts and cause themselves any harm.”

She said the state of the pavements were more of a risk to pedestrians and the council should get their priorities straight.

Edwin Nelken, chairman of Hertsmere's Chamber of Trade, said: “I don't think the council have any right to dictate to any shops that are keeping a single A-board within close proximity of their premises, but they need to clamp down on the traders who are taking advantage of the situation and the council's leniency.”

Hertfordshire County Council confirmed that it deals with the issue of A-boards on a case-by-case basis, much to the annoyance of Mr Churchill.

He believes the council should enforce the law across the county and feels Shenley Road has been unfairly picked on.

What do you think? Are the A-boards an obstruction to the public?