Furious residents in the picturesque Warwickshire village of Claverdon have launched a battle against what they're calling an 'unwanted visual invasion' - plans to erect large digital advertising screens on their local roundabout.
'A Blight on Our Beautiful Countryside'
The controversial proposal, submitted to Warwick District Council, would see two-metre high digital advertisement units installed at the busy Henley Road/Haselor Hill roundabout. Local campaigners argue the screens would fundamentally damage the area's rural character and create potential traffic hazards.
Villager Andrew Milroy didn't mince his words: "This is nothing but corporate greed trying to exploit our community. We chose to live here for the beautiful countryside, not to be subjected to glaring advertising screens."
Safety Fears and Community Backlash
Beyond aesthetic concerns, residents point to genuine safety risks. The proposed location sits at a junction where drivers need full concentration, not distracting bright lights competing for their attention.
The community response has been overwhelming:
- Over 120 formal objections submitted to planning authorities
- A rapidly growing petition gaining signatures daily
- Unified opposition from parish councillors and residents alike
Planning Battle Heats Up
Warwick District Council now faces mounting pressure to reject the application outright. The planning committee must weigh the applicant's commercial interests against strong local opposition and clear policy protections for the Green Belt.
Local councillors have thrown their weight behind the campaign, arguing the development would set a dangerous precedent for commercial intrusion into protected rural areas across Warwickshire.
As the decision date approaches, Claverdon residents remain determined to protect their village's character from what they see as an unnecessary commercialisation of their countryside.
