A KEIGHLEY boss claims a new ban on pavement advertising could render his fish and chip shop invisible.

Ray Crummack has spoken out after being told that ‘A-boards’ will no longer be allowed on the pavement outside his century-old chippie near Victoria Park.

He believes the two boards outside Stockbridge Fisheries are vital to let passing motorists know that his tiny premises exist.

He says that despite having a host of regulars, built up during the past few decades, he relies on passing trade for much of his income.

Stockbridge Fisheries is one of several businesses across Keighley set to fall foul of a new district-wide Bradford Council ban on advertising A-boards.

The council will introduce the ban in April, with the intention of making pavements safer for blind and disabled people.

Mr Crummack has been a fish fryer since he was 16, working at well-known local chip shops like Brooks and Bizzie Lizzies. He spent five years at Stockbridge Fisheries several years ago, then bought the business 10 years ago.

He was notified about the A-boards ban in a letter accompanying his business rates bill this month.

He said: “Stockbridge Fisheries has been there nearly 100 years and I’ve had it 10 years.

“We have regulars but I get a lot of passing trade. My place is so small that it needs an A-board. I always make sure it’s only under my window.

“A big chip shop (Mother Hubbards) has opened on my doorstep – they have the advantage so they don’t need A-boards.”

Mr Crummack argues that the pavement outside Stockbridge Fisheries is so wide that his A-boards do not pose an obstacle to pedestrians.

A Bradford Council spokesman said councillors agreed to introduce a district-wide ban last November following a 12-month trial and a consultation.

He said: “This has been welcomed by representatives of disability groups. The decision has been made to ensure that people with disabilities or visual impairment, those with mobility issues or families pushing prams do not face obstructions.

“The ban comes into effect in April 2018. The advertising A-board ban across the district follows a successful trial in Ilkley, Saltaire and Leeds Road, Bradford.

“We are happy to talk to any businesses about different ways of promoting their business.”

The decision to ban A-boards was welcomed by disability groups in the district, who have long campaigned for action.