The Conservative candidate for Ludlow is creating a bit of a stink in the media today. He says that his election posters around South Shropshire are being defaced and that’s anti-democratic. I agree.
But Philip Dunne can’t take a moral high ground on this matter. His banners in Ludlow have wrecked a thousand tourist photos.
Anyone cares about the area they might represent would put them where they don’t damage the landscape. That is not what Dunne does. He has wrecked one of the finest views in Ludlow of the Horseshoe Weir by hanging two huge posters above it. He has damaged this great view in pursuit of his own political interests.
I don’t agree with election posters being defaced or torn down.
But I can’t accept that Ludlow and Ludford’s historic landscape should be defaced, even temporarily, just to help Philip Dunne’s election campaign. He clearly cares more about his future parliamentary career, if he has one, than the heritage of this town and the local economy that relies on our town looking beautiful.
These posters don’t look the least bit beautiful.
That’s wrong. Everyone in this town should stand up for its heritage and tourist industry. It’s time for Philip Dunne to do the same and take down these utterly gross posters that desecrate the sensitive landscape of the Teme, Ludford Bridge and the Horseshoe Weir.
So Philip, I have a straight question for you.
Can you justify these posters that are defiling our town’s heritage or will you take them down?
I am happy to publish your response as a comment or a full article on this blog.
Clearly taking a lead from his leader, whose ‘name’ is spoiling views throughout Witney’s part of the Cotswolds(although I’ve seen none as egregious as your example). His neighbour to the north has no signs up and she still win very comfortably.
Is he allowed to do that? SUrely there is some bye-law he is contravening. Or can anyone stick up an advertisement anywhere they like? I think not.
Is he allowed to do that? SUrely there is some bye-law he is contravening. Or can anyone stick up an advertisement anywhere they like? I think not.
Mr Dunne is allowed to do this. I have checked with planners and political banners have automatic consent. It doesn’t seem to matter where they are and there are no size restrictions. The only rule is that they must be taken down within 14 days after the election.
So Dunne is within the rules. It’s time he became a champion of this town’s historic heritage, not defiling it for his own political ends.
Mr Dunne is allowed to do this. I have checked with planners and political banners have automatic consent. It doesn’t seem to matter where they are and there are no size restrictions. The only rule is that they must be taken down within 14 days after the election.
So Dunne is within the rules. It’s time he became a champion of this town’s historic heritage, not defiling it for his own political ends.