Ramsey Town Commissioners are to license advertising A-boards in the town.

The commissioners announced their decision on on Tuesday saying that the boards can ’prove of very real value to businesses in Ramsey to help to promote their services, especially in these times of challenging trading conditions’.

A statement said: ’At a public meeting held on Wednesday May 17 the commission resolved to consider applications from businesses wishing to place A-boards and street furniture on the public highway in accordance with the Highways Act 1986 as amended by the Highways Amendment Act 2016.’

Commissioners chairman Andy Cowie said: ’The licensing policy agreed by the commission takes into account that much of the public highway in Ramsey, notably Parliament Street, is narrow, so obliges businesses to comply with restrictions on the A-boards’ size, positioning and number, in order that they do not constitute an obstruction.

’In addition, mindful that A-boards should contribute to the overall street scene, the commissioners determined that the licensing policy should stipulate that certain design format requirements be observed. They have also agreed that licence applications should not attract a fee.

’In short, the commissioners are firmly of the opinion that appropriately positioned well-designed A-boards can prove of very real value to businesses in Ramsey to help to promote their services, especially in these times of challenging trading conditions.’

We previously reported how Douglas councillors were reminding traders in the capital that there will be a ban on the use of A-boards on pavements from the end of June.

The decision, which was taken last year, was said to be an attempt to reduce the amount of clutter and obstruction in the town’s shopping centre. Blind people don’t like them because they bump into them unexpectedly and people in mobility scooters have to ride around them.

Douglas Council leader David Christian said the move had been supported by the Manx Blind Welfare Society and did not seem to have met with opposition from any quarters. He said at the time: ’Unfortunately some signs can start off close to the building but slowly move out further into the street. However, we are supportive of small signs being attached to the building on a frame.’

Application forms are available from Ramsey Town Hall and Library.