A CRACKDOWN on unsightly To Let signs in areas of Bangor has been approved by Gwynedd Council’s cabinet.

According to the authority, the number of To-let signs in some areas of the city has become a problem with agencies seeking new student tenants to rent their properties for the start of the new academic year.

This week, members rubber-stamped the new voluntary code following months of talks between the council and various letting agencies operating in the city.

Cllr Catrin Wager, who represents the city’s Menai ward, told the cabinet: “To some people this may sound like a minor problem, but it certainly is a big issue in Bangor.

“There are some streets where these signs are displayed outside every house, giving the impression there are lot of empty homes in the city but the truth is that most of these houses are not empty, they’re just permanent advertisements.

“I know Cardiff’s been through a similar process and they have found instances where these houses are targeted by burglars.”

Cllr Gareth Griffith paid tribute to officers and letting agents for reaching an agreement, which he said followed 18 months of hard work.

The restrictions being put forward, set to be introduced early next year,  include only one To let board be permitted per building and that any board should be mounted flush to the wall above the building’s front door.

Boards would also have to be removed within 14 days of granting tenancy as well as an encouragement for all signs to be bilingual.

“The criteria being set forward provides a very reasonable code and I am confident that the arrangements will improve the visual environment of the city,” added cabinet member Cllr Dafydd Meurig, who leads on the environment.

“I am also very pleased that we are using this opportunity to encourage letting companies to ensure that any sign they choose to display is bilingual and that there is a prominent place for the Welsh language on any advertising material of this type.

“The proliferation of these signs has been a source of concern for us as an authority and to residents and representatives for some time, and local councillors in the city have been prominent in the discussions to improve the situation.

“It’s pleasing that landlords, housing letting agencies and others have been prepared to discuss and to consider how to tackle the issue for the benefit of the image of the city of Bangor.”