WESTERN BUREAU:

Several businesses along St. James Street in Montego Bay felt the ire of the St. James Parish Council, which on Tuesday removed signs from their buildings for failure to pay advertising fees.

The yearly fees, ranging from $500-$60,000 (depending on the size of the sign) became effective on April 3, and include a licensing fee of between $200-$300 for a tamper-proof sticker, which is placed on the signs.

Secretary/manager of the council, Ian Reid, said several notices had been published in the print and electronic media since January, informing business operators of the changes that were to take effect. They were also served with notices last year advising them of the process and inviting them to voluntarily comply.

Poor response

"The responses were minimal," he said.

Up to Tuesday night, more than 20 signs had been removed from buildings under the Encroachment Act, under the watchful eyes of members of the Island Special Constabulary Force, officials of the council and municipal police personnel.

The operation went smoothly for the better half of the day, except on one occasion when the team was verbally abused by one affected business operator who felt that the situation could have been handled differently.

But Reid remained firm that all the businesses had received sufficient notice that they should pay the outstanding amounts owed to the council within a reasonable time frame. He said the businesses, having failed to comply with the notice, left the council n but to remove the signs from their buildings.

According to Reid, the municipal body was simply enforcing the law in the interest of public safety and public amenity.

"Whenever a sign goes up you have to ensure that it is properly bolted and that the material used will not cause harm to the public. We also have to ensure that the signs conform to the aesthetical value of the town. It is not about trying to collect money," he said.