‘Garish’ shop signs generating anger

SIGNS cover the facade of the new Cash Generator store in Royton, leading to complaints from residents

Advert boards ‘offensive to the eye’
THE owners of the new Cash Generator store in Royton have been ordered to remove their “garish” signs within 28 days.

A number of residents have complained over the signs, saying they are ugly, excessive and — due to their prominence on an architecturally-attractive building — put the town in a bad light.

The signage hasn’t been authorised by Oldham Council and is currently under investigation by a planning enforcement team.

The owners of the building and the operators have been told the advertisements are unacceptable, and they have four weeks to remove them or legal action will be taken.

One Royton business owner said: “It is bad enough having a Cash Generator in such a high-profile, landmark building in our town anyway, but to see it decorated in such a manner is offensive to the eye.”

Councillor Steven Bashforth said: “I understand the pressures businesses are under in the current economic climate and of the need to advertise, but in my opinion this signage is garish.

“I have discussed the situation with Oldham Planning and have stressed the importance of this issue to Royton and the need to remove them as quickly as the legal system allows.

“People will ask why we don’t just take them down, but the council is bound by law to take these steps and if the legal procedure is not adhered to then our case against them may be stalled or even fail.”

A Cash Generator spokeswoman said: “This is a new store for us and we have been keen to promote our products and services using our corporate colours.

“In the opening of any new store we are keen to adhere to all required legislation. It’s not our intention to produce insensitive signage or cause offence to customers or local residents.”