Is This Free Advertising?

Local residents are complaining that a railway bridge in Epsom has far too many unnecessary estate agents boards tied to a chainlink fence.

Cllr Julie Morris says these boards have been there for months and rarely change - instead more seem to be added as this opportunity for free advertising gets noticed. Residents the other side of the bridge did take action to stop agents putting boards up indiscriminately, so now they have moved to the side shown in the photograph.

"They are not actually indicating a house to let or for sale, they are just cheap adverts for the agents, which constitute street clutter spoiling the view that other residents have day after day from their homes. Unfortunately the fence is probably owned by the railway authorities and even if contact can be established with the right person, they usually don't bother to act in these situations", said Julie.

She wants the estate agents to remove the boards themselves, but is prepared to research the relevant authority and ensure that they do act to remove this offensive street clutter. It may well be a matter for the council's enforcement staff as well.

If readers known of any other locations that agents are misusing to get free adverts for their services, Cllr Morris can be contacted on jmorris@epsom-ewell.gov.uk