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'To let' board ban
success
HUNDREDS of 'to let' boards have
now been taken down in part of Liverpool in a scheme to improve life for local
residents.
The pilot initiative came into force on Monday 22 June following concerns raised
by residents and local ward councillors living in Greenbank ward about the
number of boards; estimated to be around 500.
It was due to the fact the area has a large student population and a significant
proportion of privately rented accommodation.
Local people believed they were having a detrimental impact on the
sustainability of the housing market in the area.
The City Council wrote to all estate agents and landlords asking them to remove
the boards and the vast majority have now complied, leading to a huge
improvement in the streetscape.
Councillor Frank Hont, Cabinet member for housing, said:- "I would like to
thank the estate agents and landlords in the area for co-operating with the
wishes of local residents.
We have had some excellent feedback from residents who are pleased with the
difference that it has made.
There are still a handful of boards remaining and we will continue to do what we
can to get the home owners to follow the lead of everyone else." Kris Cargill from the Dales Residents Association added:-
"We wanted action because the boards gave the impression that the area is a
place where nobody wants to live, when in actual fact we are a strong and
thriving community. This scheme has removed the eyesores and made our area
more attractive."
Greenbank Councillor, Laura Robertson Collins, who took a motion to council
calling for the introduction of the ban, said:- "I am delighted that such
a simple idea has made a big difference in such a short space of time." The area covered by the zone is bounded by Gainsborough Avenue (evens side
only), Smithdown Road and the railway line and includes:-
► Blantyre Road.
► Barrington Road.
► Claremont Road.
► Kenmare Road.
► Avondale Road.
► Brookdale Road.
► Ferndale Road.
► Langdale Road.
► Borrowdale Road.
► Lidderdale Road.
► Patterdale Road.
► Weardale Road.
► Garmoyle Road.
► Lawrence Road (part).
If necessary, the council does have the power
to apply to the Secretary of State for permission to prohibit the use of boards. |
