St Helens pub ordered to remove A-board

A St Helens pub has been ordered to take down its A-board sign — 10 years after it was first placed outside — because it poses a danger to road users.

Cathy Houlihan, London Town tenant at the Wheatsheaf in St Helens, said she was shocked when she received the call to remove the three-foot sign, which she used to advertise her latest offers and letting rooms.

"We are right by the M58 so we attract a lot of passing trade and the sign really helps," she said. "I have been putting it out everyday for ten years.

"The sign is on a grass verge and I don't think it is dangerous for anyone."

Husband Brendan said the order was "really upsetting" especially given the current tough trading climate.

He added: "It is ironic that just down the road from where we put our sign is a huge council sign — why is that not dangerous too?

"The council is supposed to be helping local businesses but they won't let us put our sign out."

A council spokesperson said: "These signs are illegal under the Highways Act. The particular sign is placed on the grass verge of one of the busiest roads in the Borough and could be a hazard as people slow down to read it.

"The Council is not unsympathetic to the situation and has informed the landlady that the sign can be placed in the boundary of her own land."