Christchurch family 'distressed' by digital advert screen

A FAMILY have been left ‘sleep deprived’ and ‘distressed’ by large advertising screens installed close to their home.

Steve Spacey says the digital advertising panels in Somerford Road “permeate light” into his bedroom and garden between 10pm and 5am daily.

The two panels were installed last year to replace five printed advertising displays near the junction with Court Close.

Steve, who has lived in the road since 2004, said the “flashing lights” are causing issues for several houses.

He told the Daily Echo: “These two ad panels have been projecting flashing light into our properties for nearing 12 months.

Steve has shared photographs to illustrate the bright light of the screens (Image: Steve Spacey)

“The light permeates into private areas like the garden and bedroom. It’s affecting my wife's sleep - she is sensitive to light, as well as my two autistic children.

“It’s causing so much visual distress. It’s right there and we’ve got no choice but to look at it.

“This is having a huge impact on my family and residents in the area.”

When planning permission for the advertising screens was first made in 2021, Steve objected to BCP Council.

He still maintains that permission should never have been granted, and he continues to share his concerns with the local authority.

Steve said: “BCP Council and its responses have been patronising.

“We are getting no solutions from them or local councillors.”

Steve has shared photographs to illustrate the bright light of the screens (Image: Steve Spacey)

The Daily Echo put the issues raised by Steve and his family to BCP Council.

Councillor Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services, responded: “Following an allegation of nuisance light from the advertising boards, our environmental health officers (EHOs) undertook several visits to the impacted properties.

“Using published industry guidance, the EHOs considered the impact of the frequency, duration, and location of the light on the properties’ residents.

“They concluded that no statutory light nuisance had been witnessed and therefore no enforcement action could be taken.

“Despite this, the team liaised with the board operating company, and a voluntary agreement was reached to reduce the brightness and hours of operation.”

The Daily Echo has contacted the firm behind the advertising panel, Showcase Outdoor Ltd, and is awaiting a response.

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