Fete organisers have been banned from putting up banners to advertise their biggest fundraiser of the year – because Bradford Council says it is classed as fly-tipping.

Champion House in Calverley, which is home to 27 disabled adults, has just spent £200 on new banners for this year’s event in June but claim that Highways bosses have said they must not be put on railings or posts.

That is despite the neighbouring council in Leeds giving the go-ahead, according to organisers.

Champion House's service manager, Mary Harrison, said staff were stunned when they were told any banners on council property would be removed because it would be classed as fly-tipping. “It’s such a shame. There’s so much traffic that passes through Greengates crossroads and down Leeds Road into Shipley that it'll be a missed opportunity for us,” she said.

“We do take care where we put them. How can you class charity banners as rubbish? Leeds Council is absolutely fine with our banners going up but it's a different story across the border. We rely on this fete in a big way.”

However Greengates funeral directors Edwin Pounds & Son in New Line have agreed to put the banner up on its building and Champion House is hoping to get the same support from the Oddfellows pub in and possibly Matalan in Harrogate Road.

They are hoping this year.s fete on Saturday, June 8, from 2pm to 4pm will help them get closer to the total because Leeds Rhino player Jamie Peacock MBE will be opening it.

Principal engineer for Bradford Council’s Highways Darren Badrock said: “We advise against hanging banners across a road as they present a safety issue and need to be at a certain height so nothing snags them and they do not obscure vision.

“Banners should not be displayed on street lighting as they can destabilise the lighting column if the wind catches them.”

Anyone wanting to help support Champion House should contact Mrs Harrison on (01274) 612459.