Monmouthshire County Council is to discuss proposals to regulate on-street advertising such as A-boards as well as items like chairs and tables on pavements outside cafes.

The council's cabinet will meet on December 3rd and will consider a policy designed to create a balance between business interests and ensuring safe public access on the county's streets. The council will identify suitable sites where businesses may place advertising safely outside their premises. To allow them to operate legitimately, businesses will be issued licences by the council's highways department

The council has engaged widely with local business organisations and access groups to formulate its policy.

In addition, the council will consider a strategy to offer businesses the opportunity to advertise goods and services at carefully selected sites on the county's highways. This will be controlled by a licensing system, with revenue generated used to enhance sites with bee-friendly flowers, providing much needed wildlife havens and a more attractive roadside verge.

Monmouthshire's cabinet member with responsibility for Community Development, Councillor Phil Hobson said: "We recognise that a limited amount of advertising and display gives colour and vibrancy to our streets as well as adding to the character and atmosphere of our towns and villages, but the council also has a statutory duty under the Highways Act to allow safe public access. Our intention is to encourage enterprise while reducing risks to pedestrians and road users".