LOCAL Lib Dems are calling on the City Council to ban unsightly 'To Let' boards around Manchester neighbourhoods.
"there are some streets in Manchester that have these boards up all year round regardless of whether a property is vacant or not."
They are hoping that Manchester will follow in the footsteps of Leeds Council, who have banned the boards in favour of smaller and more discrete lettings signs stuck flat to houses.
In the case of inner North West Leeds, there was a marked reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour and a much-improved appearance in the areas of Headingley and Hyde Park.
If introduced, it is likely that a scheme would be trialed in Levenshulme, Old Moat, Withington and Fallowfield before being rolled out across the city.
If successful, the new code of practice would mean that only one 'To Let' board, no larger than 34cm x 48cm with a white background and black text, would be allowed per building.
Landlords and agents would have to remove 'To Let' signs no longer than two weeks after the property had been let.
Cllr James Hennigan is proposing the motion to Manchester Council on Wednesday, he said: “These signs are a major eyesore, there are some streets in Manchester that have these boards up all year round regardless of whether a property is vacant or not.
"'To Let' and 'Let By' signs are also a burglar’s dream by highlighting shared properties with expensive items to steal. With so many local letting agents, local newspapers and the internet there’s no need for these boards."
The proposed motion shall go before the Council on Wednesday 4 December. See the agenda here.
