A LLANELLI fitness centre has been fined by the courts for a fly-posting offence.
Robert Davies Health & Fitness Centre which is based on the Dafen Industrial Estate has been fined £105 and ordered to pay £194.15 prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge by Carmarthen magistrates.
Michael John Davies pleaded guilty on behalf of the company to an offence contrary to Section 224 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
The court heard that on November 28 last year council environmental enforcement officers saw a large banner attached to the railings at the crossroads at the Halfway traffic lights. The banner was approximately 14ft x4ft and advertised Robert Davies Health & Fitness Centre.
Mr Davies, the owner, had previously been issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75 for a similar offence just a few months earlier in May 2012.
The company was prosecuted in court as a result.
Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Fly-posting is displaying adverts and other promotional materials without permission, for example, on buildings, lampposts, railings and litter bins, mainly by business that want free advertising.
“Not only do they make an area look untidy but if not removed the posters slowly rot, becoming even more unsightly and causing litter. They also have the potential to distract motorists causing road traffic collisions.”
For further information on the council’s fly-posting policy visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk or contact Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567. Leaflets are also available in the council’s customer service centres.
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