BROADWAY traders with illegal advertising signs on the pavement are likely to get them removed by the Highways Authority without notice.

The village is to be targeted first in a district-wide clampdown by Wychavon to clear the streets and highways of undesirable clutter.

Jack Hegarty, head of planning at Wychavon, said: "The council intends to review Broadway first because it is an area with a unique character and is an attractive tourist destination for visitors to the Cotswolds.

"Businesses in the Broadway area are advised to contact the planning office in Pershore to find out whether or not their signs and advertisements are authorised, if not they are likely to be removed without notice by the Highways Authority."

He added: "They not only cause a nuisance to pedestrians, especially those with visual or physical disabilities, but they create undesirable clutter that detracts from the street scene and diminishes the attractiveness of our towns, villages and countryside."

Mr Hegarty said brown tourism signs may be available for genuine tourist attractions and destinations.

Stuart Bates, district councillor for Broadway and treasurer of the Broadway Trust, said: "I have been voicing my concerns about unauthorised signs for sometime and am pleased that Wychavon and the Highways Authority are jointly taking action."

But David Robinson, who owns the gift shop Treasure Trove in Lower High Street, believes there are less unauthorised signs than the council thinks.

He said: "Most traders are very clued up on the rules. Most of us own a few feet of land outside our shops where we are quite entitled to put our signs."

Any queries relating to the rules on advertising signs should be directed to the Worcestershire Highways Partnership Unit at Wychavon, or Wychavon's planning team - both on 01386 565000.