More than 100 outdated road signs around Shropshire to be removed after review of 'street clutter'

The move follows Shropshire Council's adoption of a revised policy for 'temporary signage' which it says incorporates findings and recommendations by its economy and environment scrutiny committee.

The council said that the majority of signs being targeted are directional signs left behind by contractors working on behalf of housing developers, and have been in place "longer than permitted or required".

Sign owners are being asked by the local authority to remove redundant and unlicensed signage where applicable.

Work so far has identified 65 redundant/unlicensed signs which should be removed from street furniture in parts of central and northwest Shropshire.

The council said further assessment is ongoing in other areas.

Moreover, applications to extend the period of 45 signs which are already in place have been refused. Shropshire Council said this is due to these signs having been in place for more than a year already, and added that the applicants have been told to remove these signs.

Chair of the council's economy and environment scrutiny committee, Joyce Barrow, said: "Anyone wanting to advertise, using temporary signage, a new housing development or an event, for example, must apply for consent to do so and must agree to abide by the conditions and regulations, including ensuring that unwanted or unlicensed signage is removed. 

"It had become clear to us that this wasn’t always happening, and why we were keen to review and update the temporary signage policy.

"This revised policy will help to ensure that any such signs are removed, helping to keep our streets clear of signs that are unnecessary or not needed. I’m delighted that more than 100 signs will soon be taken away."

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