KINGSMEAD residents have voiced concerns about advertising billboards appearing on roundabouts in their district.

Residents are concerned about drivers on a 40mph stretch of residential road being distracted by the advertisments, as well as a loss of aesthetic appeal.

They also say they were not consulted as part of the decision-making process.

The Kingsmead hoardings are part of a wider scheme for advertising on 37 other roundabouts across the county, operated by Cheshire West and Chester Council in conjunction with CP Media.

Kingsmead Parish Council would like to know why more than eight per cent of the billboards planned for the whole of west Cheshire have ended up on a one mile stretch of road in their district.

A spokesman for Kingsmead Parish Council said: "The advertising boards on the Kingsmead roundabouts are part of a Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) strategy and the Parish Council was not involved in the decision-making process.

“Nor were we consulted prior to them being installed or when some of them were sold.

“In line with many residents who contacted us, we feel there are several compelling reasons why all these boards are inappropriate in Kingsmead, and we have made this known to CWaC.

“We have also organised a public meeting and invited members of CWaC to talk to us and our residents about their policy."  

A spokesperson for Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “Officers will be attending the Kingsmead Parish Council meeting to discuss any concerns with the new roundabout sponsorship signs.

“The installation of sponsorship signage, such as that placed on these roundabouts, don’t require planning permission.

“The use of such signage is however still considered with reference to the potential impact on amenity and public safety, but this is lighter touch than the system for obtaining planning permissions for development.

“The specific roundabouts that were identified as being suitable to carry sponsorship signs were chosen following discussions with Highways engineers and planning officers, and specific consideration of potential safety issues.

A parish council meeting will take place at 6pm on Monday, October 10, at Kingsmead Primary School.