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Council bans villagers putting up 'anti-social' coffee morning posters on lamp posts
Last updated at 00:52am on 29.01.08When they stuck a few flyers on lamp posts to advertise a coffee morning or a jumble sale, the villagers thought they were bringing their community together.
Since the hall is down a lonely lane, it was the only way to drum up support.
But the council had other ideas. And when officials were alerted to notices advertising a charity bingo event for children, they decided that, for the good of society, action must be taken.
Paul Bradly, treasurer of the village hall committee in Misterton, Somerset, wrote to the council to complain.
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Paul Bradly, the village hall treasurer, wrote to the council to complain
But a letter in response stated: "It is not our intention to deprive the village of community events. It is just our duty to enforce legislation in regards to anti-social behaviour."
Mr Bradly, 64, said: "The fliers drum up interest in an event. The more people find out about it the more will come and the more money will be raised. How is that anti-social?
"This is all just completely ridiculous. I personally don't understand the problem with it as long as they are taken down afterwards, which they are.
"It would be different if it was a profit-making business. But a local charity is not the same as a travelling circus putting up large banners.
"How else would people find out about fundraising events?"
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The council threatened to fine the village hall £75 for fly-posting for sticking up posters for charity events
For years, a host of local community groups have had to stick up A4-sized fliers around the village, near Crewkerne, because hardly anybody sees the hall noticeboard due to its remote location.
Mr Bradly said: "It all started when a local children's charity which rents the hall off us decided to hold a fundraising bingo evening.
"The hall is located down a lane where there are no passers-by so they put a few fliers up around the village with details of the event.
"I understand it was a great success and lots of money was raised but someone complained to the council about the posters.
"I was then sent a letter which, to be honest, was more like a threat.
"It said that flyposting was a form of illegal advertising and there would be a fine of £75 for each poster put up in the future.
"When I wrote back, they sent another letter that basically said even sticking a flier in the grass is anti-social behaviour.
"This could have such an effect on rural life because it could reduce the number of people who attend these events.
"These legislations are thought up by people in Parliament but they don't actually consider the consequences they can have."
Retired Judy Welch is a member of the Misterton Women's Institute and her husband David is on the local fete committee.
The couple are horrified by the council's ban.
She said: "David and I often put up little A4 posters to advertise a charity event as most people do.
"But we are very good in the village and always take them down.
"This legislation is completely over the top and all boils down to bureaucracy.
"Enough is enough, you have got to draw the line somewhere."
A spokeswoman for South Somerset District Council said that charities should not consider themselves exempt from the law.
She said: "We have recently had a complaint from a resident about signs littering the countryside so we had to act upon it.
"Putting signs up like this without gaining permission is illegal.
"I'm afraid littering and acting illegally is considered a form of anti-social behaviour.
"These charities are more than welcome to advertise their events providing they seek permission and do it legally.
"Just because they are a charity, it doesn't mean they do not have to follow the law."
Reader views (8)
Vote Labour get monkeys
- Oli, London
Why does my tax get wasted on nonsense like this?
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one
This is precisely why my council tax is going up 6% this year, pointless jobsworth bureaucrats who quite frankly would find it hard to get a job in the "real world". The civil service needs an overhaul at both local and national level as it is possibly the most expensive, inefficient organisation existing on this planet.
- Ann All, London
This whole sad story illustrates why our council taxes are increasing on a huge scale. Libraries are closing, streets are filthy, roads are almost undrivable, litter and rubbish blow around the streets and parking in towns is now virtually impossible. In the place of streetsweepers, parkwardens, grasscutters and meals on wheels ladies - all of whom seem to have been removed to 'save money' - we have an army of No Smoking teams, 5 portion a day officers, equality teams, diversity monitors and a whole host of overpaid, unnecessary and useless jobsworths - all of whom seem to have the authority to poke their PC lefty noses into every facet of our lives. Bring back sensible, useful jobs, carried out by people with a bit of civic pride and common sense - please!
- Gary Parker, amersham
This is why our Councils need to charge for our house-hold waste, they need the extra revenue to keep on top of such anti-social behaviour! Where do they find these people?
- W Joseph, London, England
It seems like yet another example of a 'jobsworth' local official is trying to make a name for himself?
- George Irby, London, UK
Suppose they could call if fly-posting... yet another law that's gone mad. Just maybe local shops might have a bit more sympathy and support community initiatives.
On the other hand it might be worth looking in to council planning information sheets stuck on lamp posts or any other council literature for that matter. Oh yes, it must be "illegal advertising".
- Tony, London
This is ridiculous.
"We have recently had a complaint from a resident about signs littering the countryside so we had to act upon it." ... What's the betting though that if any yobs in the village were reported for anti social behaviour they would turn a blind eye! It's far easier to fine and profit from people like the village hall treasurer.
- I Fletcher, Sheffield, UK
