FURTHER to your article, I am just writing to say that I fully support the use of A-boards in the high street.

As a frequent visitor to the high street I feel that the A-boards add a bit of character and help make the high street look busy and used.

The ones I have seen are sensibly placed and not causing any particular obstructions.

There are various pieces of other street furniture such as waste paper bins and the granite balls which are just as much obstacles as the A-boards.

I find it ridiculous that some faceless bureaucrat, probably based in Winchester, is making this decision which, if implemented, will simply take some of the life (which is much needed) from the high street.

We should be trying to support small businesses in Andover rather than hinder them.

The decision should be made locally, at very least at Test Valley Borough Council level and arguably at Andover Town Council level.

It should be a body with the best interests of Andover at heart and it is very questionable if that is Hampshire County Council.

Colin Woods, via e-mail