T’S a money-grabbing initiative.

That’s the view of Romsey hairdresser Nick Martin who has been battling to retain A-board advertising signs outside his Market Place business since summer 2011.

Now he is astonished that Hampshire highways officials are piloting a year-long licensing scheme for A-boards in Andover.

Businesses will have to pay £50 a year to put up their signs on the pavement.

The county has received many complaints from pedestrians, who claim that these signs obstruct pavements.

If the project is successful in Andover, the £50 charge could be introduced in Romsey and elsewhere.

But Mr Martin, a company director of international hairdresser Trevor Mitchell’s, believes it’s another council money-spinner.

Mr Martin, who has been threatened with £100 fines for placing his A-board outside his premises, says he will not pay the £50 fee if it is introduced in Romsey.

He is now taking the matter up with Business Secretary Vince Cable.

“It seems that they can change the rules when they like. It’s just a money-grabbing exercise with these A-boards. I was originally told they were a health and safety issue, so what has changed now?” said Mr Martin.

“I am going to tell Vince Cable the history of all the problems I’ve had with my A-boards. I am hoping he will say that they don’t pose a problem on the streets and businesses don’t have to pay a licence fee. I know that £50 is not much to have to pay but there is a principle here and I won’t be paying if it is introduced here,” said the 55-year-old hairdresser.

He wrote to Prime Minister David Cameron, stressing the importance of A-boards to advertise small businesses, in 2011 after clashing with council officials who had launched a crackdown on unauthorised signs. At the time 21 businesses in Romsey were threatened with fines.

The PM’s office told him that it was a matter for the highways authority but acknowledged that A-boards had existed for a long time.

Hampshire Cabinet spokesman for the economy, transport and the environment Sean Woodward said: “The idea behind our new licensing scheme is that controlled regulation will better suit businesses and residents by being clear about sizes, dimensions and suitability of locations. We will continue to support the local economy while ensuring that footways and pedestrianised areas remain safe for all who use them.”

Romsey’s county councillor Mark Cooper believes licensing A-boards is a step in the right direction.

He said: “I would welcome a similar licensing scheme in Romsey. There have been a number of complaints made to me in the past about the inconsiderate placing of A-boards.

“Our pavements are not always easy to negotiate at the best of times with their differing levels, slopes and uneven surfaces... so creating further obstructions with advertising boards is not popular to say the least.”

Mr Cooper called for the scheme to be trialled in Romsey as well as Andover.