Banners banished

Anger as groups’ posters are removed

FURIOUS charity fundraisers have lashed Oldham Council for a crackdown on posters advertising Saddleworth-based events.

Problems came to light after workmen were seen removing a sign near the Brownhills junction at Dobcross promoting a concert in support of Diggle Band.

The sign was one of several the band have traditionally placed at strategic sites around the villages to highlight their efforts and promote events.

And other local organisations who use the same method have also had signs removed under the ban.

The move comes as part of an initiative to stop fly-posting which, according to council sources, is blighting parts of borough. Saddleworth has been a target area with a clampdown on posters advertising new homes and other activities.

But Diggle Band treasurer, Dorothy Rhodes, said: “I am livid about our signs being removed.

“We normally only put them up about 10 days before any event, and they are always removed the day after the event.

“I got a call from a friend who saw the signs being taken down. I think it is really unfair, particularly as we are promoting charities and spend hundreds of pounds in a year to hire the civic hall in Uppermill to stage our events.

“The posters themselves cost about £40 each,” she said. “Everyone is really upset about this particularly when we are so committed to raise funds for such worthwhile causes.”

Oldham councillor Brian Lord, who has spoken to council officers, said: “I think we have reached a decent compromise.

“The council, understandably, don’t want the area littered with advertising from professional bodies.

“However, they understand the value in promoting events for local charity organisations who need this kind of publicity to ensure they get good turn outs.

“So local charities wishing to place these posters around the villagers should tell the council highways department, get clearance and remove them immediately after the event.”

He added: “It is a very thorny issue with the council under pressure to cut the number of random fly posters. However, I hope this new approach will avoid it happening again.”