A-boards on the footpath: Sandgate Esplanade

Generally I don't worry about businesses putting signs outside their shops and businesses, but you've got to be sure they are not blocking the way.

A couple of local residents recently mentioned one business to me that was putting three signs on the footpath directly outside their business on Sandgate Esplanade on a very narrow stretch of pavement. The boards completely blocked the pavement: there was no way that you could get a wheelchair or buggy down the pavement without stepping into the road (which is the A259!).

A report to Kent Highways later, and I was very impressed to get a follow-up call from our local Highways Steward within a couple of days: she'd taken the report, had a look, agreed and the business was to get a letter asking them to move their signs back. A week or so later, the signs are now a little further away on a wider stretch of pavement, buggies and wheelchair users can get past, and everyone is happy!