A-BOARDS, posters and banners are being banned in parts of Upton-upon-Severn in a bid to prevent the town from becoming a mess.

Members of Upton Town Council have discussed the issue and agreed to removing all promotional material around the historic Pepperpot and nearby roundabout, which were particular areas of concern. They also agreed that the council should formulate a clear and enforceable policy so that the situation can be monitored in future.

Coun Mary Lismore said: “It says on the way into Upton that you are entering a historic market town, but it won’t look like that for long if we keep having the free-for-all we are at the moment.

“I think we need to be very careful to preserve the historic aspect of this town because it is the thing that brings visitors in.”

Deputy mayor Paul Bennett described the situation as “a real Pandora’s Box”, agreeing that there needed to be controls but adding: “It would be a real shame if some of the vibrancy and advertising of all the good things that go on were suddenly to come down.”

It was agreed to ask Malvern Hills District Council ’s street scene team to remove any boards from the Pepperpot and roundabout, and for discussions with traders to take place before establishing a set of rules and regulations governing the placing of advertising material.

Town clerk Jo Adams said: “We need to have a clear policy on what is acceptable so that we can make it happen. If we have a set policy then we can ask street scene and the highways department to enforce it on our behalf.”

The decision has been welcomed by Annette Keyworth, the chairman of Upton Tourism and Trade Association, who attended the meeting.

“The area by the Pepperpot can be a bit of an eyesore and I think that the traders will generally be happy with what was decided. I certainly have no issue with it,” she said. “The issue of street furniture and advertising is a delicate one and I welcome the council’s approach and look forward to working closely with them on it.”