RESIDENTS are celebrating a 'minor victory' after hearing signs could be removed. The 'grotesque' Lidl signs, on Moors Walk, slammed as being out-of-place and causing light pollution at night, could be gone by 2010. The news comes after Will Davis, of Pan

RESIDENTS are celebrating a "minor victory" after hearing signs could be removed.

The "grotesque" Lidl signs, on Moors Walk, slammed as being out-of-place and causing light pollution at night, could be gone by 2010.

The news comes after Will Davis, of Panshanger Residents Group, received a letter from borough council planning boss Tracy Harvey.

It said: "I can confirm the council will seek to have the signage removed once the three-year period has expired [August 2010]."

Mr Davis said: "We look forward to seeing them go.

"There has been no acknowledgement that consent was given in error in the first place, but you can't have it all can you?

"The council's argument that the signs do not detract from the visual amenity of the area holds no water."

The Hardings man added: "These signs are out of character in the Garden City context and would set a worrying precedent had they remained.

"Exactly how consent was ever granted in the first place remains unclear, but at least we can be thankful they are not now a permanent fixture."

However, a council spokesman said: "Consent for the signs expires in August 2010, at that point the council is able to review whether the signs should remain or not.