Laurieton business owners have expressed their disappointment after they were asked to remove displays by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
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Kylie Johnson is the owner of an art studio on Bold Street and was disappointed with council's decision to ask businesses to take down displays from the footpath.
"It just makes the town look dead and seems as though no one is open," she said.
"Putting items outside a business is a way of drawing people into the premise.
"If we don't have anything outside people just tend to walk straight past."
Under Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's policy, businesses are encouraged to apply for the proper permits if they wish to display advertising signs such as A-frame signs on footpaths or roads to promote their business.
Kylie has paid council a fee to display an A-frame business sign on the left hand side of the path.
Jordan Bignell from T Bones Premium Meats said council's decision to remove displays from outside businesses was 'a joke'.
"They are just trying to make the town a bit more colourful," he said.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council group manager Liesa Davies said council is mindful that while supporting local businesses, council needs to ensure our places are accessible and safe for all.
"In this instance, council received complaints from a vision impaired member of our community and from an organisation who represents the visually impaired," she said.
"The complaints related to difficulty experienced in moving through items placed on the footpath on Bold Street.
"As a result, a council ranger spoke to a number of business operators to ensure that they had a current approval for an A frame sign licence and that they were operating in accordance with that approval.
"It ensures there is equal and safe access for all pedestrians, including those that are visually impaired and using mobility aids.”
Federal Minister for Lyne Dr David Gillespie recently visited business owners on Bold Street and listened to their concerns about council's compliance measures in relation to moving displays from outside their premises.
Dr Gillespie has written to council and asked if whether a new policy might be implemented to allow local businesses to flourish.
"I understand the rationale for rules governing safety as well as rules governing the the access of public spaces by businesses, however common sense must apply in ensuring our local economy has the chance to flourish through policies formulated and delivered by all levels of government," he said.
Dr Gillespie said a number of business have been struggling in the Camden Haven and has called on the council to consider adopting a policy similar to that of MidCoast Council.
MidCoast Council's policy for footpath access outlines that often businesses or community groups seek to use the footpath for activities such as outdoor dining, displaying goods and signage.
"These uses are specifically encouraged in town centres to make them attractive and vibrant and to encourage economic growth and activity," it states.
Ms Davies said council continues to support ideas to increase positive activation in the streets of the Camden Haven and all towns and villages.
"We are working with key advocacy groups including the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce to make this happen," she said.
“We remain committed to current initiatives to support vibrant places, including promoting outdoor dining in our towns and villages, with council waiving application fees through to 30 June 2019 to encourage this.
"Council is also working with the NSW Small Business Commissioner, and local chambers of commerce to run a visual merchandising workshop in the Camden Haven in May.
"This workshop will bring expert visual merchandising knowledge to the region, helping local businesses entice more shoppers into their stores, increase revenue, and employ more staff.
"The workshop will be free and open to all local businesses across the region.”