Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson Bob Hare is calling for Haringey Council to get tough with erectors of illegal hoardings, while warning local residents to kick up a fuss or face them becoming permanent.

The advice comes following information received on request regarding planning laws that state that hoardings erected illegally become legal if they are not removed within four years of erection.

Although four years seems like a long time, Cllr Hare is well aware of how long the process can take to remove illegal hoardings in Haringey. He successfully campaigned for the removal of unsightly advertising hoardings by Hornsey Waterworks last year.

Cllr Hare says it still took many months of campaigning before action was taken by the Council to enforce the removal of the illegal advertising boards. He is concerned that the number of illegal hoardings in the borough which have become legal because 4 years has passed is on the increase and wants the Council to get tough and act swiftly to deter others from exploiting Haringey.

He says local residents should report illegal hoardings as soon as they are erected and that the Lib Dems will continue to press the Council to increase its efficiency in enforcing the removal of them.

Cllr Hare (Highgate) comments:

“Labour run Haringey is viewed as a soft touch by hoarding companies who seem to erect adverts wherever they want, knowing full well they are unlikely to face the kind of swift action they would in some of the neighbouring boroughs.

“I would urge residents to contact the Council when new hoardings are erected and we will continue to lobby the Council to get tough on these companies and ensure they are removed well before they threaten to become permanent eyesores.”