At a Bakewell Town Council meeting, councillors said the pavement signs were dangerous for disabled and blind people, and parents with pushchairs.

Cllr John Riley said he had counted 84 A-boards in Bakewell and called for a ban.

But traders said the signs were vital for already-strained businesses to survive.

Wye Needlecraft owner Dean Goodings said he chose not buy an A-board in case of a ban, but was baffled by the town council's stance.
Mr Goodings said: "I think it's barmy. retail's not easy in the current economic climate.

"No-ones fallen over and broken their legs on one, and we've always had fruit shops and camping stores with things out in the street.

"It's what attracts people and they don't want a boring-looking town," he added.

Cafe Nosh manager Toni Harvey said without A-boards, many Bakewell businesses would go unknown to visitors.

Mrs Harvey said: "The council are talking about mobility, but businesses need to be advertising themselves."

At a town council meeting, Cllr Riley said: "I think by law you can pick an A-board up and bring it to the police station. We could all go and lift one."

Mayoress Carole Walker said she could not sanction such action, but agreed the signs were dangerous street clutter.

Cllr Walker questioned whether A-boards needed planning permission and if they benefited businesses.

Cllr Walker added: "We also need to look at if they actually work. There's a whole host of issues and it's very important we work with our partners, who will all see things slightly differently."

The town council voted in favour of writing to the Chamber of Trade to encourage traders to address the issue.