Over the years, Pembrokeshire County Council has received numerous complaints about A-Frames on pavements which can cause a significant hazard to less able or visually impaired users of our streets.

In addition, there are incidents of people falling over such A-Frames which can lead to accident claims against those to whom the frames belong.

The authority is able to carry out enforcement action to remove signage and other obstructions from the highway.

Clearly this is a sensitive issue as there have also been concerns raised to the council from business wishing to use A-Frames as a means of advertising their business, especially in recent difficult economic times.

The issue has again come to head in Tenby where there is a preponderance of such signs and where council has received feedback over concerns about signs obstructing the footway.

Subsequently, the council has spoken to local businesses to remind them of the requirements for compliance This has been met with dissatisfaction from some quarters, with negative and disrespectful remarks on social media.

The council’s head of highways and construction, Darren Thomas, said: “We understand the concerns about businesses wanting to use A-Frames in Tenby, and other towns. But we are also getting a lot of comments from vulnerable pedestrians who simply cannot get around some of the pavements.

“Against this difficult backdrop, council officers have been visiting premises in Tenby to reinforce the requirements to keep pavements clear from obstruction.

“However, the response has been strong and generally negative and it is saddening to see the personal remarks against officers in a situation where they are trying to respond to complaints from the public and on behalf of more vulnerable users.

“The council is keen to work with local communities to reach an acceptable solution to all parties, but there has to be some understanding that A-Frames which obstruct pavements are a real hazard to certain users.”