‘Horror’ at Horsham billboard promoting Guildford as Christmas shopping destination

Frances Haigh (LDem, Horsham Park), leader of the Lib Dem Group at Horsham District Council, said they were ‘horrified’ to see the poster at the Iron Bridge in Queen Street.

Mrs Haigh said: “Last year we had adverts for County Mall in Crawley; this year for Guildford – whatever happened to promoting Horsham?

“We have asked for them to be removed, but they have been booked until 15th December and there is nothing we can do.

“Guildford has given HDC a masterclass in how to promote a town and it is to be hoped that next year we will be ahead of the game.

“It is bad enough that Queen Street is the neglected end of town, without having an advertising board suggesting shopping elsewhere!

“We are working with Forest Neighbourhood Council and Horsham Blueprint to get this area improved to support Queen Street traders and we hope that HDC will support us with this initiative.

“We also support the formation of Horsham Business Improvement District which will promote Horsham town.”

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A spokesperson for Horsham District Council said: “Primesight operates thousands of billboards across the UK, offering any business an opportunity to advertise using outdoor media. They operate within strict guidelines set by the Advertising Standards Authority, and Horsham District Council has no remit to say which organisations advertise via this media.

“We are confident that Horsham’s offer rivals that of other areas with more free parking than Guildford over the Christmas period. We are also confident that people will make the right decision as to where to shop for a unique shopping experience, with many more independent retailers than the city-based shopping experience that others have to offer.”