Fury over three ‘dazzling’ signs for new pub

GARISH . . . the signs erected outside a new Marston’s pub

AN angry councillor accused a brewery of dazzling motorists with signs — even before its new pub is open.

Richard Knowles, Saddleworth South councillor, claims signs outside The Kingfisher pub-restaurant on Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, are a road hazard and have been put up without consent.

Councillor Knowles said: “The three signs are a blatant breach of regulations.

“Residents are really angry that Marston Taverns has erected garish signs outside the new Kingfisher pub.

“The three illuminated signs are also a major road safety hazard after dark — the neon lights dazzle motorists on Chew Valley Road.

“I reported these illegal signs to Oldham council’s planning department before Christmas — and so have several residents living near the site.

“I have been told Marstons is now being warned that it is an offence to display unauthorised signs and has been advised to remove them within seven days.

“Failure will result in the council taking legal action.

“It is long overdue that the council is seen to clamp down hard on developers breaking planning and advertising rules.

“Oldham seems to have acquired a reputation that developers can get away with whatever they want and this must stop.”

An Oldham council planning spokesman said: “The three, free-standing signs don’t have express advertising consent.

“The brewery has submitted an application retrospectively. This will be dealt with in the normal way.”

A Marstons spokesman said: “We have submitted a new application for The Kingfisher signage after the advertisement was slightly revised.”