LOCAL

MOSCOW (RIA Novosti) -  Mos­cow's streetscape is set to change this year as the city government takes steps to protect the historic sites of the historic center. Already 351 advertising boardings near the Kremlin have been removed - out of 800 that were in use last year. And with plans drawn up to remove more billboards from Kolomenskoye Park and Novo­devichy Convent, the future looks much clearer for some of the most beautiful spots in town.

Moscow's chief architect, Alexan­der Kuzmin, explained that the aim was to preserve the intergrity of the city's historic highlights, many of which have been swamped by commerical displays over the last two decades since the demise of communism. Now that trend is to be reversed, starting with billboards which obscure the Kremlin and ultimately removing all advertising as existing contracts expire.

In place of the advertising Kuzmin hopes to see ‘useful' information on display - maps and information signs about the area as well as internet portals and telephone points.

Since the end of the Soviet era Moscow has seen an explosion of street advertising - much of it oversized and incongruous in the city streets. But after years of excess the authorities are working to restrict the spread of sales slogans across the town and preserve the beauty of the city.

In addition to the recent removal of hoardings around the Kremlin, the inter-ministerial commission will also consider plans for similar schemes at other sites. The historic park and architectural museum at Kolo­menskoye, to the south of the city, is one area under consideration, while the Novodevichy Convent on the riverbanks near Luzhniki is also set for a clear-up if plans are given the go-ahead.