YORK shopkeepers have been left fuming after being told to remove signs advertising their businesses.

A City of Council spokeswoman said nine businesses in the Piccadilly area had been told to remove free-standing A-boards from outside their premises.

Pauline Dalby, owner of New Moon, a holistic healing centre in Walmgate, received a letter from the council warning her she could face a fine of up to £2,500 if she did not remove her A-board.

It said the authority would take away the sign if it was still there after seven days, and would charge £50 for its return.

The Evening Press visited nearby shopkeepers, who said they had not received similar letters, and were continuing to use their boards.

Ms Dalby said: "This was a growing business - but it has taken a setback because of this.

"The board encourages people to come this far along Walmgate. If there are boards out, people think there's something here they can come and look at.

"I feel I am being victimised because other people aren't getting this."

Adrienne Hollins, owner of City Nails and Beauty, in Walmgate, also received a letter asking her to remove her A-board.

She said: "I'm really cross. My business has gone down because of this. I can't put my offers out on my board."

A council spokeswoman said: "The council only takes action against on-street A-boards if we receive a complaint from a member of the public.

"On this occasion, our highways department received a complaint about nine separate A-boards obstructing the pavements in the Piccadilly area, and we have written to the proprietors of those shops to ask them to move them.

"We appreciate that many shops use the boards to advertise their services, but we must ensure that this is done in a way which does not cause an obstruction, particularly for the disabled or partially-sighted."

Updated: 09:39 Saturday, March 27, 2004