The banners that recently lined Barrington’s downtown corridor need a re-set, not a retirement. The banners were removed after a small group of citizens complained they were visual clutter, perhaps in violation of town code for signs and advertisements.

There is some merit to the complaints. The most recent banners were a bit cluttered, and they had strayed from their original intent.

When first conceived and launched by the group once known as the Barrington Business Association (it is now the Barrington Business and Community Association), the banners were a celebration of the town itself and its vibrant business community. Banners were designed in the same style, all with the same uplifting message bringing life and energy to the walkable, shoppable, dining-filled areas of town.

In those early years, each banner was sponsored by a unique business or organization — meaning they literally paid for the banner itself — and their name appeared at the bottom of the banner. The business received visibility, though muted, and the town had a beautiful array of like, attractive decoration downtown.

Notably, the business association did not go rogue and begin placing banners around town without permission. They were granted special permission from the Barrington Town Council to have these banners in place on utility poles along the County and Maple corridors. Unless that permission is revoked, it remains in place.

At a small gathering of business and community association members hosted by the Barrington Times last week, everyone in the room spoke positively about the banners and hoped they would be allowed to return. They should return.

When designed well, they are an attractive addition to the town, and they offer a subtle boost to the small shops, eateries and entrepreneurs who both live and work here.

As these businesses fight for survival in an increasingly big-box world, their town should continue to embrace them and find ways to lift them up.