A clampdown on advertising boards on Winckley Square has been announced.
AdvertisementFor sale and to let boards hang on many buildings on the Georgian Square and its surrounding streets.
Now Preston City Council will require anyone wanting to put up an advert on the Square’s buildings to have permission.
Leader of the city council, Peter Rankin, said: “Winckley Square is an important part of Preston City Centre. It is very much a business hub but it is also a popular place to live. There are many properties in and around Winckley Square, some of which at various times are available either for sale or to let.
“In the past, Winckley Square has suffered from too many and sometimes too large for sale and to let boards. This damages the appearance of Winckley Square, which after all is an historic Georgian Square and a conservation area.
“But the worst part is that having too many for sale and to let boards actually gives a negative impression of the area. This in turn is bad for business and puts off people who might want to invest or relocate to Winckley Square.
“To be fair, agents and landlords have tried to reduce the size of for sale and to let boards. There are also fewer boards than there used to be, but from now on consent must be obtained from the Council before any for sale or to let boards can be put up in Winckley Square.
“Ideally, we would like to have a model sign board and consistent approach to marketing of properties and this is something that we will work with agents and landlords on. This will make the process much easier for everyone.”
A heritage lottery bid for more than £1 million to revitalise Winckley Square is currently awaiting a decision.
The city council can take action against anyone putting up a sign without permission.
There is to be no cost for applying to put up an advert, but it can take up to eight weeks for applications to be considered.
Other streets covered are 1,1a,2 and 6 Chapel Street, 10a,11,11a Winckley Street, 1 Garden Street, 18,18a,19,20 and 22 Ribblesdale Place and 1 and 14 Starkie Street.