Shop owner claims victory over council in window display row

A shop owner in Maldon, Essex, is claiming a small victory after the local council backed down on the threat of court action over a display sign in his shop window.

Mike Simmons received a complaint about the small illuminated sign in his chocolate shop in shop in March 2017.

Maldon District Council instructed him to take the sign down or risk a significant fine.

The council said he did not have have right to display the light-up sign, as his shop is in the town centre conservation area.

The council threatened Mike with a £2,500 fine if the sign wasn't taken down - and £250 a day thereafter should it stay up.

However, after considerable protest from Mike and his customers, the council admitted it got it wrong.