Anti-drink sign at centre of uproar (From Stroud News and Journal)

Anti-drink sign at centre of uproar

THE 12ft controversial electronic sign warning festive drinkers to behave has been moved from Stroud town centre to the Ebley bypass where it will now carry the message, 'Welcome to Stroud -Don't Drink and Drive'.

The decision to move the sign last Tuesday was made in response to negative feedback received from businesses and members of the public concerning its use.

A spokesman for the police told the SNJ: "Stroud police did not intend for the sign to cause any undue distress, particularly as officers normally enjoy a good relationship with the majority of local people.

"Although the sign proved controversial during its brief stay in the town, the media coverage it received has been useful in publicising the intention of Stroud police to clampdown on disorderly behaviour and drink driving during the festive period."

The sign first appeared at Stroud's festive goodwill night and some shoppers told the SNJ they were so angered by it they went straight back home.

Town centre manager Vicky Hancock branded it 'inappropriate.' Stroud cabbie Ted Lane, 66, attempted to prosecute the police for erecting the sign.

On Monday, he asked Gloucester magistrates if he could start a prosecution against Gloucestershire Constabulary because he said it blocked the highway. However, he was told to go away and seek legal advice.

Mr Lane threatened to go to the High Court in London to seek a writ which would force magistrates to hear his case, claiming the sign could be a hindrance in an emergency.

And along with numerous shoppers and local councillors, he said it gave a bad impression of Stroud.

"It was portraying the town as lawless, but the sign itself was lawless," he said.

"I was worried that the lunatics had taken over the asylum.

"I think it was my intervention that stopped it. I have had quite a few police officers on the phone over the last couple of days and I am quite pleased with the result."

Along with his son Adrian, 42, he is setting up a Watchdog-style website called www.isitlegal.net , which he hopes will be up and running in the new year.