Summit meeting over controversial advertising signs
NORTH economic development managers are being asked to meet retailers in Dornoch in a bid to sort out the controversial issue of advertising signs in the town.
The meeting has been requested by East Sutherland and Edderton ward councillor Graham Phillips.
Business operators were ordered by the local authority a month ago to remove unauthorised A-board advertising signs placed in the town square — a conservation area.
The move was in response to complaints that the number of signs had got out of hand, with over 60 stand-alone boards counted at one point.
It was claimed they were not only unsightly and off-putting to visitors but also a hazard to pedestrians.
But retailers responded furiously, maintaining that the removal of the signs would have a devastating effect on local businesses and accusing the authority of not supporting them. Particularly affected were traders in Dornoch Business Park, which is tucked away off the main Square area, and not immediately visible.
Councillor Phillips said this week that he had written to local authority economic development director Dr Stuart Black requesting a meeting.
"I’ve asked for a meeting to be attended by retailers, the council’s economic development team and also a representative from HIE (Highlands and Islands Enterprise) because they are working on a masterplan for Dornoch," he said.
"We need to find a way to help the retailers. We need to stop telling them what they can’t do and start telling them what they can do."
He added: "I entirely understand the reasoning behind taking away A-boards. There were over 60 of them and it had got to the point where the complaints were justified. But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t help people to find an alternative solution."
Shaun Hillin runs Sutherland Laundry Service and Castaway fish and chip restaurant and takeaway, both located in the Business Park.
He said: "We have lost a considerable amount of trade since the signs were taken away. I am glad that Councillor Phillips has taken this on and hopefully he will be able to help us."
