Pub road sign a "temptation" to drink-driving

Two landlords have been told to take down a road-side sign directing drivers to their pub, after being told it could encourage drink-driving.

Trisha and Thomas Russell, who took over the Black Dog in Chilmark, Wiltshire, just four weeks ago, were told in a letter from the Highways Agency that the sign on the nearby road was "distracting".

The letter also said that the sign was "advertising a public house to motorists potentially providing the temptation to drink and drive".

The sign was put up by Wadworth brewery 20 years ago but now needs retrospective planning permission. The brewery is said to have been shocked by the Highway Agency's objection.

Thomas Russell told Caterersearch he and his wife will not remove the sign until they are "forced to" and hope the Highway Agency will reverse its decision.

"It's not as if country pubs haven't got enough pressure on us at the moment," he said.

"We rely on passing trade from people going on the holiday route from London to Devon and without that sign they just wouldn't know we existed. I just hope this decision doesn't spread to other pubs."

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By Gemma Sharkey

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