Traders in health and safety row over lack of a bunting licence
COUNCIL bosses have been branded “heavy-handed” after threatening to pull down bunting in a tiny town square on health and safety grounds.
Cheryl Rogerson and Judy Whyte with the bunting
For the third year running, businesses in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, have chipped in to brighten up the town over the summer.
Independent traders group Inverurie4U strung the blue, yellow, red and green decorations in the town square, next to the war memorial, two weeks ago.
But Aberdeenshire Council ordered members to remove the flags – or they would carry out the work and bill them for it.
The bunting makes everyone happy. It’s only up for six weeks
Clothing store owner, Cheryl Rogerson, said: “Surely they have more pressing issues to consider in Inverurie than a bit of bunting? There’s a lack of parking, the pavements are in a state and there’s old signs that need replaced. The bunting makes everyone happy. It’s only up for six weeks.”
Aberdeenshire Council pointed to an incident in Inverurie last year when a lorry brought down a street lamp caught on bunting, which cost £2,500 to repair.
Fiona Peebles, chairwoman of Inverurie community council, last night insisted the bunting “never offended”. She added: “I don’t think it’s any major cause for concern.”