TRADERS in Grassington have reacted furiously after being told advertising boards that are vital for business will have to be removed.

Shops and businesses located away from the Main Street fear they will suffer huge losses if visitors are unaware of their services.

For decades they have placed signs near the Main Street to attract customers without seeking formal consent.

But now enforcement officers at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority are investigating in the village after they received complaints.

Traders received a letter from the national park last week demanding they apply for an advertisement licence within 28 days or legal action may be taken. They must also pay a fee ranging from £75 to £265 for the privilege.

Chairman of Grassington Chamber of Trade and Commerce Rosemary Biggin accused the authority of being 'very heavy handed.'

"I am very disappointed and all the traders are up-in-arms," she said. "They are being very heavy handed by steaming in and giving traders just 28 days to respond or be fined.

"Businesses in Grassington are often tucked away. They have no chance of ever getting any custom without the A-boards. Nobody will ever see them."

Mrs Biggin added: "Why are they picking on small businesses who are already finding it difficult? It seems to me it's just another tax."

The authority's planning officers have said boards located on the shop owner's property would be allowed, but any others would have to be removed.

Julia Metcalfe, owner of the Flower Loft on Garrs Lane, relies on an A-board positioned at the end of the lane to direct customers to her. She has been told her A-board must be removed because it was on highways property.

However, Mrs Metcalfe said she could prove the board was on private land and was waiting for the situation to be clarified.

"I'm hidden around the back of the shops. If people come on coach trips they are not here for long. A lot of people are blinkered, we are trying to get them to come to us," said Mrs Metcalfe.

She added: "It doesn't look bad. If it looked like Blackpool front I could understand them taking action, but it doesn't.

Park authority senior planning officer Simon Chapman said laws were introduced in 1992, enforcing the application process.

Mr Chapman added: "Since 1992 they have got away with not paying the charges and without having consent. The Government sets the fees for us. It depends on time and resources whether or not we take any action.

"I'm aware some A-boards have been there for quite a few years, but that doesn't take away the need for consent."

He added that after receiving the complaint officers were concerned the boards made the village look "cluttered".

"It's starting to look a mess. Maybe we can come up with some other signage that serves the purpose but isn't cluttered. I would hope we will be able to talk to the various businesses and hopefully come up with some solutions."

Traders have voiced concerns that other areas could be targeted. "It's Grassington today, but it could be any other village in the national park tomorrow," said Mrs Biggin.

Mr Chapman said a lack of resources meant the authority had to prioritise and was only investigating areas where there had been complaints.