COUNCILLORS have hailed a “great result” after a totem sign placed incorrectly in a business park was finally moved.

After nearly two years of waiting, the totem sign situated outside Basingstoke Trade Park, in Worting Road, has been moved to a safer spot on the road.

Originally the sign, which is owned by outsourcing and professional services company Capita, was erected in 2010 too close to oncoming traffic near the roundabout outside the trading park.

In 2014, re-siting permission was granted to ensure the totem was moved away from traffic, but this never occurred.

Ward councillor for Brookvale and Kings Furlong, Cllr Mike Westbrook was notified of the issue after a resident of the area complained about not being able to see oncoming traffic when leaving the park.

Fellow ward councillor Jack Cousens said: “Mike and I have been asking questions about the positioning of this sign for some time, following enquiries from residents concerned about the safety of motorists.”

Cllr Westbrook added: “An application was submitted and approved for a non-illuminated Totem Sign some time ago. 

“However, it became apparent that the sign was not being displayed in the correct position that it had consent for. 

“As a result another application was submitted in 2014 to locate the sign in a more appropriate position and a safe distance from the Worting Road. 

“This would have been fine if it had been implemented, instead we realised in late 2015 it hadn’t moved at all and we asked our enforcement team to take up the case.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) requested the sign be moved to a more suitable section of the road.

The sign promoted businesses such as BENCHMARX, bathstore and Halfords.

Cllr Westbrook said: “The totem always needed to be a certain distance from the traffic because it is a safety hazard for other drivers around this funny roundabout.

“It’s a funny junction and if traffic were to come speeding past and a motorist looking to leave the park didn’t see them, there could be an accident.

“This has been an ongoing issue and thankfully it has been resolved now. It’s a big sign and will no longer affect motorists here.”

Assistant planning manager at BDBC Gregg Chapman added: “Planning approval was given in 2010 for the erection of a totem sign, and a second application for the re-siting of the totem sign to an alternative location was approved in 2014.

“We understand the sign has been moved and we will be checking the location meets the agreed planning approval.”

A Capita Property & Infrastructure spokesperson said: “There was a delay while due process was followed. This has now been resolved.”