I NOTE that Test Valley planning bosses have called on a Middle Wallop publican to remove unauthorised signage advertising his business (Advertiser, November 16, ‘Battle to keep pub signage after protest’).

Many pubs are struggling to stay afloat and I personally see no problem with the signage that he’s put up in a bid to bring in more punters at the George Inn.

The signage is done in a tasteful manner and, in my view, it is not overbearing and does not clash with the surrounding environs.

Instead of targeting the publican Will Marsh, officials should be clamping down on the number of yellow direction signs advertising new housing developments and care homes.

In some parts of the borough these yellow signs that are supposed to be temporary, (6-months maximum) are cluttering up the countryside and in my opinion are also a distraction for motorists. Many of these yellow signs are attached willy-nilly to important street furniture such as lamp-posts, road safety and other warning signs.

I can see why the authorities would be less eager to remove them, and that is because developers have to pay towards infrastructure where any new homes are built.

There is no need for these yellow direction signs because lorry drivers heading for sites under construction have satellite navigation or maps to find their way. And the same goes for potential buyers of new homes. They can be given detailed maps directing them to sites they are interested in. Also, once construction traffic reaches these new developments the sites are clearly marked up anyway. There are stringent regulations for anyone applying for a brown tourist direction signage for pubs, bed and breakfast and other attractions, yet when it comes to housebuilders, it is a different story.

Come on bosses at local councils — rid the countryside of these horrible and increasing number of yellow direction signs which are really only advertising developers businesses and putting more cash in the housebuilders’ pockets.

Andy Simmonds, Mottisfont.