MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council has defended its decision to clamp down on displays and furniture outside shops on Monmouth’s Church Street.

A petition against the council’s introduction of permits for street furniture has reached almost 3,000 signatures (on Wednesday, July 4), with residents and business owners speaking out in what they call a “fight to maintain the town’s unique personality”.

Each piece of street furniture, such as an A-board or a table, will require an individual permit, the council said.

Any signs or stands deemed unsuitable will need to be removed, according to the council, who will take disciplinary measures against any shopkeepers who repeatedly ignore removal requests.

The council’s decision came after “extensive consultation” with local councils, businesses and disability groups, MCC’s head of operations, Roger Hoggins, said in a statement.

“The council strongly believes that residents and visitors to our towns should have access to safe routes on public highways”, Mr Hoggins explained.

The council says this is necessary to ensure all visitors, including those with pushchairs or wheelchairs, can access one of Monmouth’s most popular shopping streets.

They say permits for street furniture will ensure safety on the streets is not compromised by style.

“In arriving at the policy the council acknowledged the vibrancy that these items can bring to our streets and that they can offer valuable support to businesses, but at the same time recognised the council responsibility to provide safe routes for the public, in particular for buggies, wheel chairs and visually impaired so this scheme offers sufficient flexibility to arrive at an agreement between the council and each business”, Mr Hoggins said.

Opponents of the council’s plan say the removal of Church Street’s furniture is “short-sighted”.

Grengrocer Phil Munday said: “Displaying my produce outside not only caught the customers’ eye and drew them in to explore my offering, it also allowed me to serve those who can’t easily access my shop.

“I will obviously continue to provide our unique, lively service but I feel deeply saddened that this short sighted county council decision is making this harder to achieve.”