I NEVER thought there would come a time when I felt sorry for Blackburn Council, but in the battle of the A-boards, I do.

The council has a legal obligation to ensure that the footpaths are kept free from any obstruction and can be prosecuted itself if it does not.

There are no escape clauses such as custom and practice, discretion, etc - only the cold clinical law that says the right of passage over the footpath must be maintained at all times.

There are specific laws permitting the placement of street furniture such as litter bins, etc, with specified requirements and guidelines as to their siting.

The poor council officers, who have to bear the brunt of the shopkeepers' anger, are only doing the job for which they are paid.

If the shopkeepers wish to place A-boards outside their premises, they should be lobbying Parliament for a change to the law.

G SMITH, Bold Street, Blackburn.

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