Copyright dailyrecord
A mental health support group has been ordered to take down more than 150 of its banners across Ayrshire. Council chiefs claim the signs - which encourage men to reach out for help - could prove a "distraction" to drivers. Volunteers at the life-saving charity Release said the shock move has left them "gutted." It follows a warning from the Ayrshire Roads Alliance that all banners, signs and flags found on lampposts or other road fixings will be removed. Bosses insist they are acting on safety grounds, but the move has already sparked a widespread backlash on social media. Posting on Facebook, Release said: "These banners have been a pivotal and key part in our relaunch - spreading awareness of our service to many who maybe don’t have Facebook or have never came across our service and most importantly to those who are struggling. "Our statistics show in our first three months after the relaunch we supported 96 people - almost one person per day - who was struggling in one way shape or form and potentially 96 people whose lives we have saved. "The complete removal of these banners is so disheartening and gutting - not only for us as a charity but to those struggling across Ayrshire." The charity is now appealing for big-hearted businesses to step forward and host their banners instead. They added: "We have just over 150 banners - if we manage to get them all back in one piece - to get relocated to private property. "Can we please ask everyone to share and tag anyone you know who might be able to help us out - it would be massively appreciated by everyone at the charity and beyond." An Ayrshire Roads Alliance spokesperson said: “We understand that the charity is disappointed about having to remove the banners, however it is an offence under the terms of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to erect items such as flags, signs or banners on street lights or other road infrastructure. “These types of attachments can cause damage to infrastructure and in some cases obstruct visibility or be a distraction to drivers to the detriment of road safety. There is also the risk that they become detached and collide with passing traffic. “We would encourage any charity or non-profit organisation considering the use of roadside banners, bunting, flags or signage to contact their Council or roads authority for advice in the first instance. “East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Suicide Prevention Lead has already been in contact with the charity to identify other ways in which support can be given."
