Bracknell

A joint Bracknell council and police operation was needed to catch a trader who has pleaded guilty to flyposting on streetlamps, road signs and other highways furniture.

Bracknell Forest Council called in the help of Thames Valley Police following a rise in flyposting in the borough last year. The council had removed and disposed of a number of posters advertising cash for cars and similar offers.

Following the joint operation, John Burton, from London Road, Bagshot, pleaded guilty to three offences relating to employing someone whose name and address he did not know to put up posters, and using and possessing a mobile phone and number which was under investigation.

Appearing at Maidenhead Magistrates’ Court on Friday, April 17, he was ordered to pay a total of £365 in fines, costs and surcharges.

In October, the council and police confronted Burton when he came to collect a car from a house in Jocks Lane, Bracknell. On his arrival, he was then interviewed under caution.

David Steeds, head of environmental health and safety, said: "Bracknell Forest Council works hard to create a borough which is clean and green.

"Flyposting is untidy and distracting to drivers. We will continue to investigate people who illegally put up posters across the borough.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for public protection, said: "We all want to live in a borough which is clean and tidy.

"I hope this case will be a warning to people who regularly and illegally put posters up across Bracknell Forest that we will catch you, and prosecute you.”

Bracknell Forest Council