PRESTON'S continuing A-board row could soon be resolved - thanks to an idea trialled across the Pennines.

Liberal Democrat Bill Chadwick is calling for signs to be erected in all Preston's streets, informing shoppers of nearby trade.

He says the idea, which has already been adopted in York, would solve a long running row between council bosses and local traders.

The council had started to remove A-boards and other street furniture, saying they posed a hazard to disabled shoppers.

Traders hit back, saying they needed the A-boards to promote their firms in an increasingly competitive market.

Coun Chadwick believes his idea will leave both parties satisfied. He said: "This idea would be to offer firms the chance to advertise on special signs at the end of each street. This would inform the shopper of what is on the street so they would know if they need to go down there.

"It would be as good as an A-board, but tidier, and would remove the current threat posed to disabled people who sometimes see street furniture as an obstacle."

Coun Chadwick's solution comes just a week after the council unveiled its grand vision for the future of Preston's popular shopping centre, which they want to turn into one of the biggest spending precincts in the North West, full of the biggest retail names, including Harvey Nicholls.

Coun Chadwick believes his idea would complement the proposals, adding: "The town centre will be improved visually by this plan, and I hope it will be taken on board."

He plans to bring up the idea at the next meeting of the town centre committee, which has been created to help achieve Preston's ambitious 'shopping mecca' goal.

Last year traders reacted angrily to over-zealous council workers, who took away items from outside shops, including planters, signs and even a stuffed sheep.

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