Britain's streets could soon resemble their ugly counterparts in America unless they are stripped of unnecessary signs and "clutter", campaigners said yesterday.

Speaking at the launch of English Heritage's "Save Our Streets" campaign Bill Bryson, the American-born travel writer, said: "In the States space for a pedestrian or the hope of a view of building is a lost cause and I do not want that to happen here.

"I do not think most European nations have as much clutter at major road junctions as Britain. I come from a place which has very little heritage so I have different perspective on these things."

He particularly lamented the loss of traditional red telephone boxes. "One of the saddest things that has happened in Britain in the time I've been here is the loss of probably the most important piece of street furniture and that's the red phone box.

"I was amazed and distraught when that happened at how complacent Britain was. It was a great tragedy that they were replaced by shower stalls that have now become advertising blocks."

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