A HIGH profile blitz will be launched in Pendle next month to stop shopkeepers and businesses blocking pavements and putting up illegal advertisements.

The pilot scheme will take place in the Brierfield area led by Pendle Borough Council and supported by the police.

This will be monitored and a consultation exercise with shopkeepers and residents in Colne will be carried out with the possibility of implementing a similar scheme there.

Their views will be referred to the Colne Town Centre Regeneration Forum and the Colne Markets Panel for them to add their views.

A report by Colin Badminton, the council's principal engineering, highways and transportation officer, highlighted the problem of shopkeepers and other businesses blocking pavements with goods or advertisement boards or attaching illegal advertisements to street furniture, such as lighting columns.

The obstructions are causing problems to pedestrians and those in wheelchairs and are forbidden under the Highways Act 1980.

The county council's Code of Practice on mobility also recommends that footways be kept clear of obstructions.

Mr Badminton said: "We do have a blitz on these things occasionally but like to get the committee support because often if we do go to clear the signs away then the shopkeepers are unhappy and go back to the councillors about it."

The pilot scheme in Brierfield will begin with a leaflet drop to all businesses to make them aware of the problem.

This will be followed up by the removal of illegal adverts from street furniture and visits by the council and police to offending businesses one to two weeks later if the obstructions have not been removed.

The next step will be the removal of the advert boards or goods with the police present and possible legal action against persistent offenders if the situation continues.

Coun Jo Belbin, chairman of the Colne and District Committee, said the committee agreed with carrying out the pilot scheme in Colne in principle but said there needed to be more consultation.

She said: "We want to publicise to people that there is going to be a disability discrimination act coming into effect in 2004, which means we have to consider this type of issue.

"We appreciate what the scheme is trying to achieve but need more consultation with town centre users.

"We don't want to go overboard but need to make sure that people with wheelchairs or prams are not having problems getting about."

It is hoped the scheme would not only make highways safer for pedestrians but also reduce the distractions for motorists.