Traders will be allowed to keep A-boards outside shops in the Walsall borough, although new restrictions are to be imposed on those wanting to advertise their goods.

Shopkeepers had expressed fears that all signs could be banned as part of a street trading review carried out by the council. Technically it is illegal to place displays on the highway although a degree of tolerance has been shown.

Under the new rules put forward shops and businesses will be allowed one board each which must not exceed an agreed size, they must not present a hazard to pedestrians, must be removed between 8pm and 7am, while everyone will have to hold a licence allowing them to advertise.

It is unclear if the authority plans to charge for the licence although businesses say this is not included in the details they have received.

In Wolverhampton the authority has unveiled plans to charge £150 per licence although these plans have now been put on hold.

George Bellringer of Hire & Drive in Willenhall Road, Darlaston, said: “I’m glad they are allowing the A-boards to stay.

“They are an important advertising tool to try and draw in extra people and as long as they are not causing an obstruction I don’t see what harm they cause.”