Residents outraged over billboard in Chester

Chester, Pa. (WTXF) - It's the kind of advertising that's meant to catch your attention. An imposing picture of woman aiming a rather large rifle on a billboard high above 95 in Chester. It certainly got neighbors' attention and has some up in arms.

"Being in a school zone it shouldn't be. With the gun pointed at the school," school crossing guard Robert Miller told FOX 29.

Robert Miller stares at the giant billboard every day from his post as a crossing guard just around the corner from a charter school. In a city where violence and murders have been a problem, he thinks the billboard belongs somewhere else.

Ameisha Grimes says she looked up at the billboard right after it was erected a few weeks back and had the same thoughts Miller did.

"We're trying to make the kids stay in school andnot think about violence. You don't want to do that. It's uncalled for. Definitely disrespectful," she explained.

The billboard is visible from the southbound lanes of 95. It's aimed at driving business to the new target shooting solutions gun shop and range nearly 30 minutes away in Avondale. The general manager says the new range takes the community's concerns about the billboard seriously. He pointed out the facility emphasizes gun safety and training. He says he did not know there were a school nearby when they purchased the billboard space.