THE breakthrough on town centre advertising appears to have become unstuck in what the head of Dunoon Presents is calling picky and pedantic.
Colin Moulson is furious that months of work to secure agreement on town centre banner and poster advertising on railings have seemingly fallen through.
Last week, this newspaper reported an agreement with Argyll and Bute Council to enable local business and service providers to advertise on railings alongside the ferry terminal.
But this week, Mr Moulson was informed that is not the case and anyone wanting to advertise would have to seek and secure permission, instead of working under the agreed self-policing outcome.
He said: I am unsure who has raised this as an issue because in the big scheme of things, Dunoon has many more and bigger challenges to tackle but this is also important to the business community, which is why Dunoon Presents have stepped in to assist.
To me, it looks like an anti-business move or a sentiment from somewhere or someone. It is both picky and pedantic.
Argyll and Bute Council has advised Dunoon Presents that it appears Advertisement Consent is required.
There are some exemptions for temporary advertisements (Sub Section Advertisements Regulations Schedule 4, Class III, part 4) announcing any local event of cultural, social or recreation character, but (it has to be) a singular event. For these temporary exemptions, it must not be displayed earlier than 28 days before the event and must be removed 14 days of the conclusion of the event.
The council told Mr Moulson the railings are also Listed Structure, but given you’ve only attached (banners) using cable ties and no permanent fixings, then no Listed Building Consent is required.
It is understood the roads department from Argyll and Bute Council is also investigating the use of similar public space for business advertising in Helensburgh and Oban.
Colin Moulson earlier said the railings site is a strategic addition to advertising opportunities for local businesses and one that the council confirmed had been secured after months of discussion and meetings.
Argyll and Bute Council has been invited to comment.
