STRUGGLING retailers in Petersfield could be forced to buy a licence to display their A-boards around town.

Hampshire County Council wants to give district councils more control over where traders can display A-boards and advertising.

They are holding talks with East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and other authorities about giving them new powers to regulate the public highway.

The changes mean that EHDC could issue a licence to traders who request permission to place an A-board in a specific location.

But the county council expects the licence to be chargeable to recover the costs incurred through the application process.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.