SIGNS of the times have been ruffling feathers for a civic watchdog aiming to keep a tight rein on advertising slogans, signs and shopfronts not in keeping with a town's upmarket image.

Harrogate's James Street has come under the spotlight of Harrogate Civic Society's planning watchdog Henry Pankhurst.

Mr Pankhurst said he is disappointed that a new front for a fashion shop at 10-14 has been given planning clearance because he believes it "destroys the previous frontage of three natural units".

Three applications for a frontage of a fashion shop at 10-14 saw the applicants applying for a 10ft high projecting sign. But following strong protests from the society permission was turned down.