SHOPKEEPERS in Bolton are being urged to remove pavement perils and make life easier for disabled people and families with small children.

The Council move follows a steep rise in complaints about businesses who are "cluttering up" footpaths with goods for sale and advertising boards.

The council is appealing for co-operation from the shops and the business community rather than having to take action under the 1980 Highways Act, which could mean a no-compromise total ban.

Cllr Jack Foster, Planning and Environment Committee chairman, said: "People who are partially sighted, wheeling a pram or are wheelchair users can find it very difficult to negotiate the boards and complaints from both the general public and the various groups representing the disadvantaged are increasing because of the obstruction the boards cause.

"We know the police are also concerned about the situation and we are duty bound under the law to follow up the reports.

"Parts of the town centre have been described as an obstacle course and we want to make the town easily accessible to all.

"We want to work with people and are taking what we think is a sensible step and asking businesses to co-operate and keep pavements clear of obstructions.

"Rather than a total ban, we think it it is more reasonable if we can come to an agreement with the businesses."

The Council is asking that a two metre width of footway should be kept clear in areas outside the town centre.

And inside the centre, the council wants a 3.5 metre width because of heavier pedestrian flows.

Businesses which display boards on their own forecourts will not be affected by the proposals.

Letters have gone out to shops and businesses throughout Bolton urging them to make pavements obstruction-free.

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