Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Will this include the plethora of signs from the housing developers?
Officers have previously worked extensively with pubs, clubs and small businesses across the district to guide them through the rules and regulations and to encourage voluntary compliance. This approach was successful in reducing the problem but, more recently, instances of fly posting have been on the increase.

Now, Enforcement Officers will be taking action against all illegal advertisements under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act and the Planning Acts. Any person, business or venue detailed on the advertisement is liable and claiming to know nothing about the promotion does not avoid liability for the offence. The action will involve a warning notice requiring the removal of the advertisement within seven days. Failure to do so will result in legal action which may be a fixed penalty notice or a court summons.

Environment portfolio holder Linda Conley said, "We would prefer prevention rather than cure and our Enforcement Officers are happy to advise businesses or groups on the legal implications of any proposed advertising. But fly posting and illegal adverts do cause considerable concern and we have a duty to control these anti-social activities".

Advice on advertising can be obtained from the Planning Enforcement team on 01225 776655.

To report an incident of fly posting or an illegal advertisement, please call Customer Services on the same number to provide the details.