Illegal flyposting is on the increase in and around Otley, according to traders who say they've had enough of signs and posters littering the streets.

Planning notices and adverts for car boot and jumble sales are among the worst offenders singled out by Otley Chamber of Trade.

Members of the Chamber agreed at a meeting last week that the problem needed tackling. But they said they were unsure how to go about it.

Tonia Hearne, president, said: "There does seem to have been an increase in the amount of material put up on lampposts and in general around the town.

"We have approached the police about it, although they say it's not their job to take it down and apparently we are not allowed to. But posters for things like car boot sales are everywhere and becoming a real problem."

Planning notices were often a problem, according to Chamber treasurer Peter Heald, who said they were there for public information but were often not taken down again. "We must find out where we stand and what we can do about it," he said.

A spokesman for Leeds City Council said officers were aware of the problem which she described as "endemic around the Leeds area".

She said: "Flyposting of any description is unsightly and illegal. A team from the highways department is despatched regularly to clear posters from lamp-posts and road signs, which are clearly a distraction to drivers.

"Flyposting on empty shop units is a matter for the planning department, as this constitutes an offence under advertising regulations."

People caught putting up posters and signs without permission were liable to prosecution, she added.

"The highways and planning departments would be pleased to hear from anyone who is able to assist them in identifying perpetrators," she said.

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