THERE are fears local businesses could lose trade in Enniskillen town centre after many had their advertising signs removed last week.
A common sight in the county town, many businesses use ‘A’ boards to advertise their services. However, last Friday staff from the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) removed some of the signs from the footpaths.
The Department told the Herald the signs had been taken away to keep the footpaths clear from obstructions.
One of the businesses to have their street sign taken away was Bigfood Spuds, which could be particularly hampered by the removal of its advertising given its location at Nugent’s Entry, off the main thoroughfare between the Corner Bar and Danske Bank.
Gareth Prescott, who runs the business with his wife Alex, told the Herald he had always ensured he placed the sign so that it would not obstruct the footpath.
“I respect their reasons, my objection is it’s really going to hurt our business. I was being mindful of pedestrian access when I placed the sign there,” he said. “I would never want to be in the way of someone who needed wheelchair access.”
Noting the people of the town had been great supporters of the business, Gareth said he was fearful of the impact having no sign will have come tourist season.
“When the tourists come in, and they’re only here for a week or even a few days and they don’t have time to get to know the area, they’re going to be relying on those signs to find us,” he said.
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