STATIC advertising and street furniture in Abergavenny and Usk come under the microscope over the next few weeks.

Monmouthshire County Council is holding a series of workshops to gauge the feelings of residents, organisations and businesses about A-boards, signs, tables and chairs, and displays on shopping precinct footpaths.

The authority wants to establish a balance between business interests and ensuring safe public access on the county's streets.

The Usk workshop is on May 21 at the Catholic church hall while the Town Hall is the venue for the Abergavenny event on June 4. All workshops are from from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Monmouthshire's cabinet member with responsibility for Community Development, Councillor Phil Hobson, said, "We recognise that a limited amount of advertising and display gives colour and vibrancy to our streets as well as adding to the character and atmosphere of our towns and villages, but the council also has a legal duty under the Highways Act to allow safe public access.

"Our intention is to encourage enterprise while reducing risks to pedestrians and road users."