Burnley and Pendle councils jump on cash roundabout (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Burnley and Pendle councils jump on cash roundabout

7:20pm Friday 10th July 2009

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By Chris Hopper »

SCORES of advertising signs are set to be put on more than 20 roundabouts across Burnley and Pendle.

A marketing firm wants to install 84 adverts for local firms on traffic islands in Burnley town centre, Hapton, Barrowford, Brierfield, Colne, Nelson and Barnoldswick, subject to planning permission.

The proposals, which are expected to bring in revenue for councils, have been cautiously welcomed by two county councillors.

But a motoring group warned of the “disastrous consequences” of the signs for road safety.

Suffolk-based Marketing Force Limited has applied to planners to install 51 signs on 13 roundabouts in Pendle and another 33 signs on nine roundabouts in Burnley borough.

Among the traffic islands which may get sponsored signs are M65 roundabouts at junction nine in Hapton and at junction 12 in Nelson, and at the busy Trafalgar Street/Centenary Way/Manchester Road junction in Burnley.

Some of the roundabouts already have signs advertising firms and services.

However, the new ones would include logos plugging Lancashire County Council, Burnley Council and Pendle Council, bringing in revenue for the authorities.

Burnley Central West county councillor Charlie Briggs said: “If these signs bring in money for Lancashire County Council or Burnley Council then fine.”

County Coun Mohammed Iqbal, who covers Brierfield and Nelson North, added: “As long as they fit in with the surroundings, I don’t think they are a distraction.”

Elizabeth Box, from the RAC Foundation, said: . “If this signage goes ahead, it will need to be carefully sited to ensure it does not distract drivers.”A marketing firm wants to install 84 adverts for local firms on traffic islands in Burnley town centre, Hapton, Barrowford, Brierfield, Colne, Nelson and Barnoldswick, subject to planning permission.

The proposals, which are expected to bring in revenue for councils, have been cautiously welcomed by two county councillors.

But a motoring group warned of the “disastrous consequences” of the signs for road safety.

Suffolk-based Marketing Force Limited has applied to planners to install 51 signs on 13 roundabouts in Pendle and another 33 signs on nine roundabouts in Burnley borough.

Among the traffic islands which may get sponsored signs are M65 roundabouts at junction nine in Hapton and at junction 12 in Nelson, and at the busy Trafalgar Street/Centenary Way/Manchester Road junction in Burnley.

Some of the roundabouts already have signs advertising firms and services.

However, the new ones would include logos plugging Lancashire County Council, Burnley Council and Pendle Council, bringing in revenue for the authorities.

Burnley Central West county councillor Charlie Briggs said: “If these signs bring in money for Lancashire County Council or Burnley Council then fine.”

County Coun Mohammed Iqbal, who covers Brierfield and Nelson North, added: “As long as they fit in with the surroundings, I don’t think they are a distraction.”

Elizabeth Box, from the RAC Foundation, said: . “If this signage goes ahead, it will need to be carefully sited to ensure it does not distract drivers.”

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