7th December 2005

 
Greens have been vocal in their opposition to a huge four metre high illuinated sign that has appeared in the centre of Stroud. The sign, put there by the police flashes three different messages: "CCTV in operation, £80 tickets for disorder and Drinking and Driving kills".

Cllr. John Marjoram said: "We've had many complaints. It makes the town look as if it is naturally a place where alot of crime occurs and it was totally inappropriate to use at the Goodwill Evening."

The Stroud News and Journal have since published additional comments unanimously opposed to the sign. John Mills of Mills' Cafe said it was potentially disasterous for business and said people have been coming into the cafe and asking if Stroud was a dangerous place.  While Dan Parker, of Parkers Estate Agents said house-buyers were asking if Stroud has a crime problem.
 

Philip Booth, a Green party spokesperson said: "This is really not the way to tackle crime - it will only increase fear and give the impression of a town with a crime problem. This is bad for all but especially business. It is astonishing that the police do not appear to have consulted properly. The sign should go."