THE controversy over a council crackdown on traders using pavement signs outside their shops will come to a head this week.

A full meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council on Thursday is set to give final approval to the clampdown.

The tightening of the rules has provoked a storm of protest from traders all over Blackburn and Darwen in recent months.

But the Blackburn Chamber of Trade is still seeking a compromise to help traders advertise their goods effectively .

Councillors are likely to rubber stamp the decision to remove a guideline which had previously allowed the council to turn a blind eye to A-boards and street displays on the pavement.

A new rule aimed at tackling the problem of displays on private land is also set to be approved. The row between traders and Blackburn with Darwen Council over displays began when the council decided to take five traders to court earlier this year.

All but one of the council's first five "A-board" prosecutions collapsed and one prosecution, against a motorbike dealership on Bolton Road, failed when the council's prosecuting solicitor did not arrive at court in time.

Rita Wakeley, of the Blackburn Chamber of Trade, revealed she had approached the blind and disabled groups which councillors had in mind during their bid to clampdown on pavement obstructions.

She said: "We would like to see sense prevail and a compromise to be reached as opposed to the imposition of a total ban.

"It would be very beneficial if the council, the chamber of trade and blind and disabled groups could work together to formulate a low-cost means of advertising that is unique to Blackburn."

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