South Holland District Council is looking at producing a shop front design guide in a bid to stop the prevailing use of vinyl window coverings.
The council established a task group to look at the problem and, after meeting over the course of a year, the final report was presented to members of the district council’s cabinet on Tuesday (April 1).
The aim of the review conducted by the group was to prevent further widespread use of bright vinyls (such as those used on the now closed shop above) which were deemed unsightly.
The scope of the review was given as: “To explore the options for a mechanism which would encourage or enforce improvements to the aesthetics of shop windows which, in turn, would contribute to the overall perception of safety, appeal and attractiveness of the district’s town centres as destinations.”
But it became clear that there was no legislation which gives the council enforcement powers to dictate or prevent business owners from using vinyl or other coverings inside their business frontage.
“It was explained that trading standards would only become involved with vinyl coverings if it was advertising a commodity that the store could not provide,” says the group’s final report.
“Representatives from trading standards and Lincolnshire Police highlighted that other councils were looking at ways to limit the use of vinyl coverings on shop frontages.”
Members of the task group invited a High Street Action Zone Officer from a council in Somerset to talk about a design guide it had implemented.
“The officer suggested a campaign offering small grants for signage and upgrades to shop fronts which could have a positive impact on the town aesthetics. Other ideas included offering seminars and workshops on good practice for retailers, as well as training for local signage companies which could promote adherence to design standards,” the report said.
Among its recommendations, the task group says a guide should be prepared to enable ‘departments to cohesively work with shop owners and businesses in the district.’
The council should also liaise with the Business Improvement District manager to have arrangements in place for monthly updates to include information on new opening and closure of businesses.
“Training and workshops could also be offered to assist business owners on good practice, as well as engaging with landlords to work alongside shop tenants,” said the final report from the group.
It added that shop businesses should be encouraged to apply for grants to update their shop frontage.
Members of the cabinet were recommended to approve the conclusions of the task group which now discontinues.
