Victory for pub in road sign battle

A couple that had been told to remove a road sign advertising their pub because it could lead to drink-driving have been granted a reprieve.

In September The Publican ​reported that the Black Dog in Chilmark was asked to take its sign on the A303 down by Wiltshire Council on the advice of the Highways Agency.

But licensees Tom and Trisha Russell are celebrating after their appeal against the decision was unanimously won at a local councillors meeting.

The sign has directed drivers from the A303 to the rural Wadworth pub for 30 years and been key to the survival of the business.

Tom said: "We know, from customer comment cards that at least 30 per cent of our trade is coming off the A303 purely as a result of the signage.

"We rely on this lunchtime trade which in the holiday time, particularly, is significant. We are a small business and, like many others, need all the help we can get, particularly in this financial climate, to maximise awareness. We would like to extend a big thank-you to the massive local support we have received."

Wadworth chairman and managing director Charles Bartholomew said: "We are delighted at the outcome. No one understands better than us the importance of promoting responsible drinking and safe driving, but the Black Dog has for many years provided a quality pub/restaurant break for travellers on the A303 where they will find a friendly and warm stop-off.

"We need to support these small businesses especially with the uncertain financial times ahead."

The Highways Agency originally said the sign could encourage drink driving but later backtracked on the comments.