A promotions company has been prosecuted for repeatedly fly-posting with adverts for car boot sales close to highways and on street furniture.

Ten breaches of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 concerning the control of advertising were brought against John Taylor, of Eastwood based Blue Sky Fairs, for repeatedly and unlawfully displaying adverts on street furniture and on grass verges and even traffic lights, since April 2011.

A fixed penalty fine of £80 issued by Amber Valley Borough Council was  paid but the company was then prosecuted after a further 21 signs were spotted on the verges of highways and affixed to street furniture in Heanor, Ambergate, Ripley and Whatstandwell.

Mr Taylor, who's 59, admitted to the offences and told Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court, he knew that he had done something wrong by affixing the signs to street furniture.  He said he knew that it was not legal but as many other people did it, he thought it would be OK.

Executive Director of Environmental Services, Julian Townsend said: "The Council's aims in taking such action are to keep the Borough clean and tidy, protect local businesses that have to pay for their legitimate advertisements and to contribute to road safety by preventing drivers from being distracted.   We will continue to act to remove signs and other adverts and take appropriate action against offenders where we can."

The court ordered Mr Taylor to pay fines and costs of £680.

Flyposting is an offence which is enforceable with a fixed penalty fine of £80 or a fine of up to £2,500

Incidents of fly-posting should be reported to 01773 841 655 envadmin@ambervalley.gov.uk or at

  www.ambervalley.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/fly-posting.aspx

For further information please contact Luke Barrett Communications Manager on 01773 841 655 or email luke.barrett@ambervalley.gov.uk