Fly posting and graffiti

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The council is responsible for the removal of graffiti, fly posting and discarded chewing gum throughout the borough. Whilst we try to tackle the problem in the known areas, we do welcome and rely on calls in from members of the public to highlight other areas that need attention.

Graffiti

The council's graffiti removal team works around the borough, removing graffiti that has been reported and cleaning known problem areas. The service operates throughout the day using various methods to remove or cover the graffiti, for example, painting over the graffiti, using chemicals or pressure washing it off. Offensive or racist graffiti will be dealt with within 24 hours of being reported and usually on the same day as the report is received. Other reports will be responded to within seven days.

If you notice any graffiti, please call the Waste Management Section on 01284 757320.

Fly-posting

Fly-posting is the illegal display of advertisements and notices on the public highway or without permission of the planning authority. This includes display on street furniture, staked in roundabouts, and tied or stapled to trees.

The Highways Act 1980, section 132, allows for the prosecution of anyone caught fixing the posters. The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allows for the prosecution of the person fixing the poster, the persons benefiting from the advertisement and owner of the land on which it is displayed. The maximum fine on conviction is £1000.

If you notice any fly-posting, please call the Waste Management Section on 01284 757320.

Chewing gum removal

The council's cleansing crews regularly remove gum from the main town centre shopping areas. They use pressure washers to remove the gum so can cause a lot of spray, especially if the area has a large amount of dropped gum.

If you think that an area needs gum removal, please call the Waste Management Section on 01284 757320.

If you cannot find answers to your questions try the frequently asked questions page or contact us by email at waste.management@stedsbc.gov.uk