Traders in four Lincolnshire market towns have been urged to follow new guidelines on the design of shop fronts.

South Kesteven District Council said the updated Shop Design Guide applies to the historic centers of Stamford, Bourne, Grantham and Market Deeping.

Discourage the use of bright or garish colors and certain types of prominent signs.

The authority said the new guidance, which updates previous guidelines drawn up more than 20 years ago, was published following incidents in Stamford.

In February, Peters’ Cleaners on St Paul’s Street in Stamford was ordered by the city council to repaint its façade.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting ServiceThe company’s use of orange and blue paint, along with vinyl window covering, was considered detrimental to the heritage value of the listed building.

Councilor Phil Dilks (Independent), cabinet member for planning, said that while the council already had shop design guidance documents for Bourne, Grantham and Stamford, these had not been updated for almost 20 years.

“Many business owners do not appear to be aware of the relevant guidelines for shop fronts,” he told the cabinet.

“It’s about common sense; “Some things are just not appropriate in conservation areas.”

He warned the council would take legal action if necessary.

“Ultimately, we will take legal action against those within conservation areas if necessary, but we would prefer people to come and talk to us first,” he added.

Councilor Richard Cleaver (Independent), cabinet member for property and public engagement, said: “People are very concerned that signage and window displays are appropriate and in keeping with the character of Stamford.”

The guidance, which will be reviewed in 18 months, also points out that using a particular color in a shop window in another part of the city does not guarantee that it will be acceptable in all areas.

He claims that rigidly fixed boards or internally illuminated boxes, while common in shopping centres, rarely enhance the character of historic market towns and are not suitable for traditional shop fronts.

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