AN angry Clitheroe newsagent has criticised highways chiefs after a four foot-deep hole was left outside his shop in the latest twist in the A-board row.

Peter Brass said a three foot-square hole, which is out of view on a corner just yards from a school, was an accident waiting to happen.

"It was dug two weeks ago in preparation for wiring to a lamp post, then just left.

"Isn't it ironic that the council has told shopkeepers to remove A-boards from outside their premises in order to make the streets safer but then goes and leaves a great hole in the pavement?

"The hole is right on a bend on a path used by children. "There is a second smaller hole further up the road where someone could easily twist their ankle.

"It's one rule for them and another for us," he said.

"This is a busy street used by lots of people and this hole is far more of a hazard than a few A-boards that have been here for decades and never harmed anyone," he claimed.

Lancashire County Council's campaign to "return the pavements to the people" has met with anger from shopkeepers throughout the county who have been ordered to remove street signs.

Earlier this year council workmen left Clitheroe traders furious after confiscated numerous advertising boards from outside shops in the town centre in an early-morning blitz.

No-one from Lancashire County Council was available for comment.

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