Big Society in Action in Swanley and surrounding Villages                                                                                    
Reduce the clutter and restore the character to our towns and villages.
Streets and roads make up around three quarters of all public space. If they do not function properly or are unattractive they impact on people’s quality of life. Unnecessary street furniture and signs not only make our towns and villages unattractive places but increase costs for local authorities. Cluttered streets can also be confusing for drivers and pedestrians, affecting safety.
 
Street furniture, including traffic signs, railings and bollards are often over-provided in the mistaken belief that it is a legal necessity. It is not just traffic related street furniture which adds to clutter as advertising equipment, telephone boxes and other structures  also have a significant impact on the street environment, if not placed carefully. Whilst certain signs are required by law, the message from the new government is that for signs to be most effective they should be kept to a minimum and the new government is urging all councils to get rid of unnecessary signs, railings, bollards and advertising hoardings in a bid to make streets more pleasant and retain local character.
 
Clutter can build up over time affecting the character of towns and villages so residents are asked to notify their Conservative councillors if they have unnecessary street furniture near where they live or residents may want to combine with their neighbours to do a street audit.                                                                      
 
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said, “Our streets are being overrun by scruffy signs, bossy bollards, patchwork paving and railed off roads wasting taxpayers’ money that could be better spent on fixing pot holes or keeping council tax down. We need to cut the clutter.”
Transport Minster Philip Hammond said, “We all know that some signs are necessary but we don't need all this clutter confusing motorists, obstructing pedestrians and hindering those with disabilities who are trying to navigate our streets. Empowered local communities working together with councils can bring an end to this blight on our national landscape."