Cambridge’s Chamber of Commerce is calling for stronger action on a proliferation of commercial signs in the town.
Kelly Bouzaid
Chamber chief Kelly Bouzaid said it appeared retailers based in the town were required to abide by the rules, but others coming into Cambridge were being allowed to break them.
She singled out Australian franchise Chemist Warehouse, which recently opened in Lakewood Cambridge, as a “market disrupter” by breaking the rules.
Bouzaid, who has complained to the Waipā District Council, said it was only Tuesday last week that the chamber attended a hearing discussing the bylaws around public spaces.
She thought the council had been slow to respond to the signs from outside organisations, but enforcement of rules in Carter’s Flat on businesses based there had been heavy handed.
“The placement of signs needs to be managed – it seems to be out of control,” she said.
The council confirmed this week it was taking action.
Compliance manager Karl Tutty told The News there had been six complaints from six different complainants in the last week about Chemist Warehouse signs.
“Enforcement staff followed this up last week and in doing so, identified some other non-complying signs around this same area. All those with non-compliant signs are being asked to remove the signs immediately,” he said.
Karl Tutty
Signs advertising a pink walk and run are on pedestrian crossings.
The only other complaint about signs in the last three weeks was related to an election sign.
A popular spot for signs in Cambridge is on Victoria St opposite St Andrew’s Anglican Church.
Signs are permitted there, but there are restrictions on size and how long they can stay, Tutty said.
The News has also found signs at pedestrian crossings advertising a Hamilton charity event.
The council recently completed a review of the Public Places Bylaw and in terms of signs is proposing to allow one street sign – up to one metre square – per business premise unless a permit is issued. At present there are no controls over the number of signs less than that size.
Council says the proposed change – which council will consider for adoption on September 26 – allows businesses to advertise but prevents the streets and footpaths being cluttered and causing hazards.
Australian franchise Chemist Warehouse had an illegal sign on Queen Street.
