Bob enjoys an Indian summer on Royal Mile

A CIGAR store's Red Indian statue has been given a stay of execution - despite a major new crackdown on street clutter.

A recent enforcement drive on the Royal Mile saw city council officials checking for oversize street furniture, including A-boards, clothing rails and promotional models.

One of the victims of the measuring tape was Indian Bob, the life-size statue that greets visitors outside The Cigar Box store on the High Street.

The shop owners were told he must be removed - but after a plea to the Services for Communities department, they have now been told he can stay until a final decision is reached.

The council is to expand its "decluttering" campaign to other parts of the city. They are yet to be decided, but could include Tollcross or the West End.

The enforcement week on the Royal Mile came after officials had issued 288 "final" warnings to shops, reminding them of the guidelines on street furniture.

During the crackdown, seven items were repositioned and a further 20 were taken down voluntarily by shop owners.

Chris Kilpatrick, manager of The Cigar Box, is delighted that Indian Bob has been given a reprieve and hopes the council will allow him to stay.

"Considering the number of photographs people take with him he seems to be very popular," he said.

"It adds to the High Street because it's quite traditional and it's a good reflection of traditional tobacconists in the United States who had similar statues outside their doors in Highland Dress.

"It's not for sale so it's not merchandise and it's secured to our shop so nobody could trip over it. And it takes up even less space than an A-board so I don't see what the problem is."

The council said its crackdown had helped to improve the appearance of the historic streets. Locations for further enforcement weeks are to be discussed at City Centre Partnership meetings in January and February.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, the city's environment leader, said: "I am delighted to say that our enforcement action over advertising boards in the Old Town has led to a significant and lasting 'decluttering' of the busy pavement areas we targeted.

"Proprietors are clearly heeding the guidance regarding the positioning of advertising boards outside their premises. However, there is no room for complacency and we will continue to make regular checks to ensure the rules are being adhered to."

But Graham Russell, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses in Edinburgh, wants to see more communication with businesses before any further enforcement action.

He said: "I understand the problem if there could be accidents but this is officialdom gone mad.

"Street advertising is part of the colourful scene of a vibrant shopping area. Often these things are forced on businesses down to the letter, or millimetre, of the law. If the pavements are too narrow, have a word with the trader and I'm sure they will understand."