Clean-up plans for street sign 'clutter'

COUNCIL bosses in Sheffield are drawing up plans to cut down on "street clutter" and "unnecessary" signs on the city's roads and pavements, following a call from the coalition Government.

Liberal Democrat councillors will make the proposal at next week's full meeting of Sheffield Council. If the plans are taken forward, people in the city will nominate signs to remove.

The decision follows a move by the Government, which announced earlier this year that it would be urging councils to cut down on unneccessary signs, railings and advertising hoardings in a bid to make streets tidier.

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Transport Secretary Philip Hammond and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, who said the number of signs was damaging the character of towns and villages, wrote to council leaders calling on them to remove the clutter.

Coun Ian Auckland, cabinet member for business, transport and skills, said: "Local people tell us that our streets have become too cluttered with silly signs and unnecessary bollards.

"Now that the new Government is relaxing the rules, we can give local people the chance to de-clutter by nominating streets and signs themselves.

"Just like the 'Driving Me Crazy' scheme, in which we made it possible for local people to vote on changing unhelpful highways junctions, we are putting power into the hands of local people and moving away from the 'town hall knows best' attitude."

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Sheffield Council intends to ask people for nominations and then select the most popular suggestions for removal. Council officers will also draw up plans to ensure that clutter is kept to a minimum in future schemes.

Coun Auckland added: "We believe that uncluttered streets are safer, more attractive and easier to maintain. What's more it should save money that can be spent on vital front line services instead. I will be urging all councillors to back the Lib Dem proposal so we can go ahead with our plans."