Blackpool Road residents demand action over 'intrusive' and 'blinding' 20ft billboard

The massive digital billboard in Ashton is the first in the city and is mounted to the side of the Parkview Cafe in Blackpool Road.

But sleep-deprived residents say the glare from the digital billboard, which stands approximately 10 ft high and 19 ft wide, is keeping them up at night.

Dr Brian Hitchen, who lives in nearby Waterloo Road, said residents should have been consulted before it was revealed in August 2018.

"It is an absolute intrusion. The light is keeping us awake at night because it is shining straight into our bedroom.

"It also shines into our kitchen and dining room, but it is the bedroom which concerns us because we are struggling to sleep at night.

"The first we heard about it was when it appeared overnight. We were never consulted before it went up. We have now taken it up with the council.”

Barry Higham, who also lives nearby, said: "This sign is

Preston City Council said it has received a number of complaints from residents regarding light pollution caused by the giant illuminated screen.

The authority confirmed it is investigating the billboard to establish whether it has breached planning guidelines and environmental health regulations.

A spokesman for Preston City Council said: "The Council’s Planning and Environmental Health teams are investigating complaints received regarding the illuminated billboard on Blackpool Road.

"Working together with the company who manage the billboard, we are ensuring it meets the planning guidelines originally set out and is in line with environmental health regulations."