Malacky tears down billboards

More than 80 signs and billboards have been removed from lamp posts and railings in the town of Malacky (Bratislava region), following the local council refusing to renew their leases. This was undertaken in an effort to clean up visual pollution, although the act will result in a subsequent reduction in town income. "The reduction of outdoor advertising has affected the facade of the sports hall, where out of three large advertising billboards, only one remains", said Malacky Mayor Juraj Říha. He added that the city ended contracts for several large billboard advertisements, of which owners voluntarily removed two. The other nine, according to Říha, are involved in legal proceedings due to land owners ignoring official requests to have them removed. "The city will then try to create procedures for advertisements even on private land, because according to the current wording of the Building Act, such advertisements are subject to construction laws", said the mayor. The reduction of outdoor advertising is estimated to create a shortfall of around € 20,000 in the town budget, but the mayor believes this is the price to pay for creating a more attractive town. The local council will seek alternative sources to cover the loss. The action was undertaken following various complaints via the town's website.