Shops owners in Marlow have been blasted for “abusing” their rights and putting “hazardous” advertising boards in the middle of the pavement.

Bob Savidge, a member of the Marlow Society, criticised shops in the town centre for making it “difficult” for people in wheelchairs to get past the advertising boards that litter the pavements.

At a meeting of the Marlow Community Forum, he said: “Near Anglers Court, there are loads of them out on the kerb again and people are having to walk round the signs.

“It reduces the pavements and makes it very difficult for anyone to get past with a wheelchair, especially when it comes to getting past lamp posts or any other signs.

“There are lots in the High Street that are beyond their so-called curtilage - some of them are two or three feet away from their building.

“It really needs looking at.”  

Annie Jones, Marlow Town Council clerk, confirmed that the council are doing a monthly “blitz” of shops, photographing the offending advertising boards and reminding shop owners of the rules.

She said: “The Chequers pub have removed two of theirs that were causing problems. The Perch is in our sights too.

“We try and take a realistic view that they are there for commercial reasons for the benefit of the town but we say there must be enough space to allow for a double buggy to pass through, which is wider than a wheelchair.”

However, Mr Savidge feels that some shops are not abiding by the rules.

He added: “I feel that they abuse what is their right and it’s been going on so long, it needs to be fixed. They should be up against their property and then it’s absolutely clear. It widens the path for everybody then.

“Where there is a cobbled area outside the shop, that is their area. But some of their areas extend for several feet and cause a problem.”

Mrs Jones said the council were “aware of the problems” and were trying to address the issue.

She said: “Shops can go on their curtilage - the designated cobbled area in front of their shops. They have a right to put signs on their curtilage assuming it does not obstruct the path. In some places it is just too narrow and they wouldn’t be able to because it would be a hazard.”