Estate agent threatened with legal action over fundraising banners

An estate agency has been threatened with legal action by its local council for displaying fundraising event banners above its office.

Country Properties in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, has been displaying fundraising event banners for more than 30 years. 

Central Bedfordshire Council has asked the firm to take the banners down 'immediately', saying there could be a 'case for prosecution' if they don’t.

The council says the signs should be removed as Country Properties' office is a Grade II Listed building and is located in a conservation area.

"I understand the building is listed but the banners are temporary. We are not doing anything permanent to the building," Nick Taylor, manager of Country Properties told BBC News.

"We only put signs up for charity events or local fundraisers. You would think a local authority would support local events."

A spokesperson for Central Bedfordshire Council added: "Whilst we appreciate that the advertising banners that Country Properties have displayed above their shop in Ampthill often do promote community and charity events, the building is Grade II listed and is additionally in a conservation area."

"Because of that, we have to comply with national planning legislation under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990."