MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council has put its A-board policy on hold following trader backlash across the county.

The contentious policy, which was agreed upon in July 2016, required businesses to pay a one-off charge of £50 if they wanted to use on-street boards to advertise.

Plans to control the boards on pavements “that could potentially cause hazards” have now been suspended “for the time being”.

Those using seating or item displays would also have to stump up £125 and further annual costs depending on square meterage. res used.

But these changes have been deferred until further notice after traders across Monmouthshire voiced their opposition.

About 100 people, including local AM Nick Ramsay, gathered on Monmouth high street last Wednesday in a sit out protest.

Council leader Peter Fox and the authority’s chief executive Paul Matthews addressed the issue in a joint statement last week.

It read: “Traders in this county are serious, sensible people and they play a massive role in the success of our towns – without them we are lost.”

Both council officials claim that the policy was agreed before the council became aware of the “madness” of the business rate valuations that were released late last year.

Figures from the Valuations Office Agency (VOA) suggest that businesses and landlords face huge hikes in their business rates – with some facing increases of 300 per cent.

“It is an issue that we have been working hard on with local Chambers of Trade for months to lobby for change,” the statement continues.

“It is not our goal to make life hard for traders and as such we are minded to ask council to re-consider their approach in light of changed circumstances and in the meantime set aside a policy that may be seen to frustrate trade.

“The money side is not material to the council so there will be no charges to traders anywhere in Monmouthshire for the time being.”