Council bans Slough shopkeepers obstructing pavements
Slough Borough Council will be taking enforcement action against shops and businesses who persistently cause obstructions on the borough’s pavements.
In some areas of Slough, shop keepers and other businesses use the pavement as an area to advertise their services or store goods for sale.
On busy pavements this can lead to considerable problems for wheelchair users, pedestrians with poor eyesight and parents with pushchairs.
A new pavement obstruction enforcement policy was agreed by cabinet commissioners this week, which will mean that if businesses persistently refuse to remove items from the pavement when asked to do so by the council, the council can apply to a magistrate for permission to remove the offending items and claim costs.
The council will be specifically targeting the High Street and other key shopping areas in the town.
Denise Alder, director of the green and built environment, said: “It is important that the council ensures pavements are maintained in a safe condition.
“Some businesses and shop keepers make it very difficult for pedestrians to navigate their way around some of their wares on the street, which in turn causes problems for some of our more vulnerable residents.
“This new policy means that we can take action against the borough’s persistent offenders, and make our pavements safe and free from clutter.”
Cllr Dexter Smith, commissioner for planning, said: “Pavements are an essential part of our transport network, and are used more by vulnerable people who don’t have their own form of transport.
“This policy is welcome and ensures that our pavements will be clear, allowing people to move around unhindered.”
Slough Borough Council