A-boards and street furniture are in the spotlight in Narberth.

Recently, Mr. D. M. Owen, Pembrokeshire County Council's street manager, wrote to all traders with A-boards or pavement impediments.

The town's Chamber of Trade subsequently 'phoned him and ascertained that the authority was 'very unhappy' with the amount and positioning of A-boards and other unapproved pavement displays thought Narberth, where they were blocking the pavement for pedestrians, wheelchairs and prams.

"This time there would appear to be greater incentive by the county council to achieve some changes, all this in spite of the worst recession since the '30s!," said chamber secretary Gordon Barry.

As a result, the chamber is currently looking at the whole business of signage, advertisement and street mapping on behalf of its members; this being a long-term project to enhance the town.

Added Mr. Barry: "We are looking forward to working with other organisations, including the county council, to achieve this."

As a result of the letter, Mr. Barry has received a number of comments in response from members, one of whom claimed that 'part of what makes Narberth so interesting and individual is the charm of the shop displays'.

Said the member: "Narberth is often thronging with shoppers, yet they seem to manage very well, and I'm sure enjoy the pavement displays and would be keen to retain them.

"The council seems to be adopting an over-zealous reading of any law that might apply to obstructions in the public highway. Their notice says that unauthorised objects 'can' obstruct pedestrians, wheelchairs and push-chairs.

"Maybe a poll of shoppers could be taken to see whether they find that their traverse along the highway is very impeded by obstructions, and whether they would prefer to retain or remove them.

"I would have thought the unevenness of the pavement is much more of an obstruction, and the noise from the manhole cover in the middle of the road surface of the High Street every time it is driven over is awful."