BUSINESSES are being asked to think about pedestrians when putting A boards or other items on the street outside their premises.

Gloucestershire County Council has issued the reminder due to concerns about items placed on pavements or footpaths, which have been causing concern for local people and visitors, in particular those who are visually impaired or with mobility issues.

The Standard reported last week that mother Carol Bartlett, 55, had been injured after falling over a sign. She suffered severe bruising due to the incident at Cirencester’s new retail park at Bridge Road.

After the story was published, other readers also complained about A-boards in the town.

Cirencester resident Andrew Carpenter said he thought A-boards were a “menace”.

“They force people to walk in the road,” he said.

An online Standard commenter, who writes under the username Cotswold Lad, said: “There are way too many such boards all over Cirencester, especially in The Woolmarket entrance, in approach to the Corn Hall and in Black Jack Street.

“My pet peev is the five foot A-board out by the Somewhere Else delibar, at the top of Silver Street. It is an accident waiting to happen.”

In March this year the county council responded to concerns from shoppers in the Cotswolds by asking traders to ensure that items for sale, tables, chairs or signs were not blocking pavements.

This week the council said it was important to have vibrant street scene in towns and villages. But added that A-boards should not block a pavement or cause a hazard.

If the council receives complaints, businesses will be asked to remove them as they could be liable for any accidents.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways and flood said: “We work really hard to support businesses wherever we can and we need them to do their bit too by making sure our roads and pavements are safe for everyone who uses them.”

Cirencester and Tetbury are two of the Cotswold towns which local people have raised concerns.

Cllr Joe Harris, county councillor for Cirencester said: “I ask traders to take a common-sense approach and consider any hazards because I strongly sympathise with the difficulties blind, partially sighted and disabled people face.”

If you see a hazard, report it at gloucestershire.gov.uk/reportit or call 08000 514514.