Sign doesn't impress

ANGRY Portishead residents are calling for a massive sign promoting a new store in the town called 'Booze Busters' be pulled down.The new sign was put up at the same time as the store, formerly owned by Smiles, was sold to new owner Martin McColl.The convenience store chain, which officially took over last Monday, put up the large red and white sign. But some locals have said they do not like it and it gives a bad impression of the High Street and are pressing for it to be ripped down. Just days after the sign was put up, The Local off-licence in the High Street changed its name to Discount Booze, sparking more cause for concern.Local historians, who campaigned fiercely to retain the Victorian facade of the High Street, say the 'Booze Busters' sign sticks out like 'a sore thumb'.Planning chairman of the town's Gordano Society Mike Johnson said: "I feel that this sign is rather over the top and is not conducive to the atmosphere of a Victorian High Street. I also do not think it is appropriate to promote and encourage the ever increasing consumption of cut price alcohol."Councillor Reyna Knight, whose ward covers the High Street, said she had received complaints from residents and would be checking that planning regulations for the installation of the sign had been complied with. Cllr Knight said: "I have taken up the matter with the planning department to see if we can get anything done about this sign."With the police having done such a lot of work to reduce alcohol fuelled antisocial behaviour I think advertising discount alcohol in the way is somewhat irresponsible."Martin McColl has recently taken over Smile stores across the UK and said Booze Busters was one of its brands. A spokesman said: "We would not have installed any sign without adhering to the relevant criteria and legal requirements."Pictured: Reyna Knight below the Booze Busters sign people are complaining about.