Disgraceful shop fronts in Carrick town centre

Councillor Maurice English said the facade of many shops were a disgrace in an area of conservation.

“Many of these shop fronts are not keeping with the character of the town. Some of them are absurd. North Street in particular is disgraceful when you compare it to other towns,” he said.

Local planners were due to hear an appeal from the Leicester Building Society, whose application for a new sign at its branch on High Street was turned down on the grounds that it is not in keeping with the area.

Alderman Mrs Molly Ardill said that traders were entitled to a grant from the Government because the DoE Historical Buildings and Monuments branch had designated the town centre a conservation area.

Alderman Ardill was pleased to see that the planners were being tougher on applications for shop signs.

Due to the town centre being designated an area for conservation, Alderman Ardill believed that traders should blend the appearance of their shops with the character of Carrick.

Guidelines were in place.