I CANNOT understand why newsagent Mr Les Smalley (above), of Rishton, has slammed a council policy which bans advertising boards on the pavement (LET, April 10). Surely, any obstruction on the pavement is illegal, whether or not it involves something for sale.

This 'code of practice' would appear to neglect the law regarding obstruction.

For example, if someone had a car for sale and the pavement was over 6ft wide, there would appear to be no offence committed if the car were parked on the pavement. I was always led to believe roads were for vehicles and pavements were for pedestrians, but someone in their wisdom has proved me wrong.

If a pedestrian walked into an 'article for sale' and suffered injuries, who could be taken to a criminal court for obstruction and to a civil one for compensation - the shopkeeper or the council?

I always thought common sense prevailed, but I wonder.

J BECK, Peel Park Avenue, Clitheroe.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.