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Shirley business may leave borough over 'petty' council rules

A BLIGHTED business couple from Shirley are up in arms for the second time in as many months over 'ridiculous and petty' council rules after a three-foot advertising sign was banned from their shop front.
Derek and Diane Betts, who own Bespoke Homes & Flooring, have declared this week they are considering leaving the borough after being 'victimised' by Solihull Borough Council.
The pair hit the headlines just weeks before Christmas after council chiefs threatened legal action if they did not remove bunches of balloons from outside their shop.
They were ordered to take down the balloons from outside their Stratford Road firm after the council feared they might distract drivers.
Solihull Council also claimed the balloons could pose a risk if they got loose and a child chased one into the road.
Now though, the council's Highways Department has again stepped in to ban the use of their three-foot by two-foot metal sign, used on the pavement to help drum up trade.
Derek, 45, said a council official moved their company 'A' board from the pavement and told his wife Diane they would be revoking the sign's licence.
"The man was quite rude to my wife, he moved the sign, told the reason for its removal was that it was 'inappropriate,' and told her if we put our sign back out we would get an immediate £1,000 fine," he said.
"To be honest, the only thing inappropriate is the council's behaviour. I see nothing wrong with putting a sign on my own strip of pavement - much like all my neighbouring businesses.
"It has got to the point that I am thinking that I am being victimised by Solihull Council for reasons I cannot understand. It is thoroughly ridiculous and very frustrating for trade, in these already difficult times," Mr Betts added.
"We have received so much support from traders, neighbours and people that have read about us in the press, but as of yet nothing from the authority."
A spokesman for the council said during several conversations with Mr and Mrs Betts, the couple was told the 'A' board could not
be placed next to the curb, as it could obstruct the view of motorists.
The spokesman confirmed the couple's licence to display the board had now been revoked.

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  <b>Banned - Diana and Derek Betts with the sign on the pavement outside their Shirley store. 05.010.049.SOL.DJ.</b>

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  <b>Banned - Diana and Derek Betts with the sign on the pavement outside their Shirley store. 05.010.049.SOL.DJ.</b>