A ROW HAS erupted over a 'controversial' advertising board at a Stroud bus stop. 

Proposals for a new bus shelter - in the same position as an existing one at Merrywalks - include a double digital advertising display panel which will portray static advertising images that change every ten seconds.

The plans for these advertising boards - which will be 1.636 metres in height, 0.924 metres in width and 0.222 metres in depth - were lodged to Stroud District Council on Tuesday, August 20. 

The display boards  - intended for Bay A - will include a steel frame, powder coated steel cladding, LCD display panel recessed behind toughened, laminated safety glass.

Some residents have hit out at the plans, citing concerns over possible distractions and energy waste. 

They also claim this may 'spoil any potential conversations' at the bus stop and would 'hurt local businesses'. 

One said: "Advertising on these screens are usually only afforded by large (multi)national companies.

"This will hurt local businesses that cannot compete."

Another said: "Stroud is a vibrant town with unique charms and qualities, please do not spoil this by installing digital advert which are present in most cities.

"There are enough adverts on buses, TV, online and social media already."

Another said: "The area for buses is a busy interchange and the last thing people waiting for buses is more busyness, and more distraction.

"The distraction element is going to mar and spoil any potential conversations one might have with other people waiting for a bus.

"The advertising board will presumably have to be powered and thus be wasteful of energy."

Another said: "I really don't want my children to be looking at constantly changing adverts while they wait for the school bus."

These plans are the latest potential changes to the Merrywalks transport hub, which Gloucestershire County Council recently inviting residents to give their views on proposed improvements to the area. 

The project aims to transform the hub into a transport interchange that is 'user-friendly, accessible and inviting for people to use'.

The proposed improvements include new bus shelters, improved displays showing ‘real time passenger information’, lighting improvements, CCTV and a better waiting environment.

To view the plans visit - tinyurl.com/4j98ujap