AN 'obstacle course' for blind and partially-sighted people is regularly created along the streets of York, an action group has warned.

York Blind and Partially Sighted Society has warned of the difficulties experienced by people with sight and access problems because of advertising 'A-boards' used illegally outside shops.

They have called for City of York Council to take more action to combat the danger.

"These A-boards tend to be put up on the pavement and make it very difficult for people just to walk down the streets safely and easily," said Diane Roworth, chief officer of the society.

She said that even for people with partial sight using guide dogs it was very difficult to negotiate their way around the streets.

"When you get the A-boards alongside the bin bags of rubbish or the wheelie bins it can be a real obstacle course.

"It is something I think the city council ought to watch and tell these people this is just not allowed," she said.

The call was backed by the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

"These boards do cause severe difficulties for blind and partially sighted people and we would support more control over the issue," said a spokesman.

City of York Council Disabled People's Action Group (DPAG) chairman Coun Ken King said: "When businesses do put the boards out illegally we notify them it is illegal and ask them to remove them.

"It is very difficult to control, there are a number of businesses who put them out regularly because they might be down a side-street, but officers do take action whenever possible.

Updated: 10:52 Thursday, October 02, 2003