"It looks like a small version of Blackpool" - Sowerby Bridge residents want action on garish shop fronts

After concerns were raised by residents to councillors and Halifax MP Kate Dearden about the use of overly bright, neon and fluorescent lighting on signage outside some shop fronts, new powers have been agreed by Calderdale Council's cabinet that enforcement action can be taken against shop fronts that aren't considered in-keeping with the character of the area.

One shop owner in Sowerby Bridge, who did not want to be identified, says they have lived in the town for more than 15 years and have seen a huge change in the area.

"I remember being asked when I was setting up the first shop 'please don't tell me you're going to be another vape shop or Turkish barbers' as people are just fed up of the amount of the same shops popping up," they said.

"It's becoming a town where nobody wants to visit the area because there is no variation in what's on offer.

"If you look at signage on the other shops in Sowerby Bridge, they are all inkeeping and very tastefully done, where shop owners want to preserve the historical look of Sowerby Bridge.

"Just like our neighbours Hebden Bridge, that brings in tourists from all over, as well as the town's ability to attract top TV dramas and world renowned directors.

"We want Sowerby Bridge to bring the same but, at the minute, it looks like a small version of Blackpool with its bold, bright signs, neon lights, LED's, sparkles.

"One shop now has three pavement advertising boards advertising the same thing.

"We are not saying you can't have a vape shop or a barbers, but there has to be strict criterias on how you advertise in towns that strive for heritage and history.”

A Sowerby Bridge resident, who didn't want to be named, said: "Sowerby Bridge is a designated conservation area where far too many shops are flaunting rules intended to protect the individual character of our beautiful town.

"It is rapidly beginning to resemble a cheap 1970s seaside resort.

"So many people in the area have dedicated hours and hours of their spare time as volunteers to make Sowerby Bridge a better place.

"You can imagine the anger and dismay of these residents and responsible business owners when a yet another monstrous shop front appeared this week - less than 50 metres away from our beautiful, new £1.3m town square.

"You have to ask, 'what is the point of the council spending enormous sums of our money on improving the area, if we can't enforce laws designed to protect it?'

"We can't let these businesses ruin our town - they must be clamped down on hard.

"The council has a duty to exercise its full powers to rid us of signs and shop fronts that are seriously blighting the fine heritage of our wonderful Sowerby Bridge."

Sowerby Bridge councillor Adam Wilkinson says residents have been clear that overly bright and illuminated shop fronts are harming the character of Sowerby Bridge town centre.

"It’s right that we’ve listened and acted," he said.

"Cabinet approval of the new Conservation Area strengthens the Council’s ability to address this, and it’s positive that officers are now working with businesses to improve standards.

"We all want a high street that is attractive and welcoming, and this is an important step in protecting the character of our town.”

Halifax MP Kate Dearden said: ‘I'm really pleased that thanks to the support of our brilliant Sowerby Bridge Councillors, that we've secured action to remove fluorescent shop signs in Sowerby Bridge.

"Residents have been clear - that these signs detract from the beauty of our highstreet and ruin the character of the local area. "With these new enforcement powers, immediate action can now be taken to remove these eyesores, helping to protect Sowerby Bridge's local identity which I know residents are so proud of. "Restoring pride to our highstreets and giving communities more control over their town centres is a key focus for us in Government too, so I'm delighted to see this local action being taken. I'll keep pushing to ensure these powers are used effectively and quickly."

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Coun Sarah Courtney, said: “Calderdale’s heritage plays an important part in the borough’s identity. The extension to the Conservation Area in Sowerby Bridge, to include six additional areas, will help to protect the special character of the town.

“Designation of a conservation area does not mean that there will be no change but it ensures that change is managed and is sympathetic to the area’s character - this is taken into consideration in determining planning applications and other proposals.

“Sowerby Bridge has a number of high quality, historic buildings, reflecting the town’s heritage. The Council is committed to ensuring that the town continues to retain its historic character, and the Council’s conservation team will also pursue enforcement action against a number of inappropriate shopfronts.

“People are rightly very proud of the beautiful heritage buildings and features in the town, and we’re pleased that we’re able to take action and protect these for current and future generations.”