'Clutter' of referendum signs branded eyesore and splits public opinion

A "CLUTTER" of referendum signs on Inverness streets has sparked complaints from the public that they are an eyesore.

The volume of Yes and No placards and posters that went up late last week has split public opinion.

Some have accused the rival camps of being overzealous in the number of posters erected, which they fear detracts from the look of the city at the height of the tourist season.

But others say the vote is too important for such short-term concerns and stress the posters will be gone in a month’s time.

Yes Scotland said it had asked campaigners to be responsible when putting up signs. And Better Together said the posters were simply the result of intense activity in the run-up to polling day.

A spokesman for Yes Scotland said: "We always urge our supporters to be responsible in putting up signs, but of course it is welcome that so many people are taking an interest in Scotland’s referendum."

Better Together added: "This is the most important decision the people of Scotland will ever make.

"It is vital that they use their vote on 18th September. That’s why there will be intense activity in the run up to polling day."

Comments on one of Scottish Provincial Press' Facebook pages are evenly split.

One reader, David M. Edes, said: "The referendum has been three years in the coming, the only folk who have not decided by now are unlikely to vote anyway so it is a complete waste of time and money. And it looks appalling."

Another, who did not wish to be named, rang up to add: "It is disgraceful. The whole High Street has been plastered with them. They are on all of the baskets and flower planters."

But Andrew Begg said: "I think they look good" and fellow poster Sinclair Patience added: "It is the biggest decision this country will ever make, not bothered about a couple of posters."

Following complaints, Highland Council has urged campaigners not to put up referendum material on public property. It added that only the 15 official referendum agents were allowed to put signs up on lamp-posts and said that fly-posters would be prosecuted.

William Gilfillan, director of community services said: "The removal of posters and stickers with adhesive material is time-consuming and expensive.

"As the referendum is still five weeks away this is likely to increase, so we urge campaigners to refrain from causing damage to council property."

The general public should avoid fly-posting stickers and posters or daubing graffiti on public buildings, lamp-posts, bus shelters and street furniture.

Guidance is available in the Highland referendum poster policy on the council’s website.

Anyone with concerns about referendum fly-posting should contact the council on 01349 886606.

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