AN anti-fly posting campaign has been launched in Blackburn with the aim of reducing the number of unsightly flyers posted around the town.

Already traffic signal control boxes around the town have been covered in a special coating which prevents posters sticking to the surface.

An additional programme for removing posters already unlawfully displayed in the town centre is also taking place while the town's closed circuit television cameras are being used to track down fly-posting gangs.

The campaign has been funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council's town centre management initiative and was launched by town centre manager Paul Isherwood and the council's chairman of regeneration Councillor Andy Kay.

Coun Kay said: "Fly-posting is a growing problem in Blackburn, Darwen and elsewhere. Displaying posters without planning permission is against the law, but there is a vast amount of money to be made from it and so organised gangs operate a so-called service to clubs, pubs and record companies."

The council is working hard to enhance the image of the area and fly-posting is not only unsightly but could also cause damage, threatened to undermine its efforts.

Coun Kay added: "We are doing all we can to prevent gangs and individuals from operating in our towns and villages and we will prosecute offenders whenever possible."

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