Wanganui District Council is developing a new bylaw that could have significant impact on how people advertise their businesses or events.

According to Wanganui District councillor, Helen Craig, the new bylaw needs to be scrutinised by retailers, businesses and event organisers before the close of submissions on August 5.

The changes confirm some existing regulations and affect the use of signs by retailers, businesses, real estate agents, and event organisers to attract customers and tourists.

Under the changes, footpath signs will be restricted to immediately in front of a retail store, which will have an impact on some retailers who place signs on street corners to attract customers.

The bylaw will also ban the use of signs on trailers parked on the roadside.

“Signage is a great way to advertise your event or business and I’m concerned some of the proposed regulations will be too restrictive,” said Craig.

“Our businesses are struggling and signage is a great way to attract customers.”

However, she said the bylaw would be good news for event organisers as billboards could stay up for eight weeks instead of the current six weeks.

Council officers are also suggesting a change to the layout of billboards on the Cornmarket reserve next to the Dublin Street roundabout for safety reasons.

Over the past five years, council has received 38 complaints about signage. Rules covering the use of signs are in the district plan as well as in many council resolutions, but sometimes the rules and resolutions have created conflict.

Submitters can ask to be heard when the statutory management committee meets to consider the bylaw.

-Wanganui Chronicle