Illegal poster firms in NW are named

The firms include several well-known firms from Londonderry. 160 illegal signs were removed over the past year alone.

A spokesperson for DRD told the paper that Whitehouse Furniture, Decks Restaurant, The Furniture Factory, Platinum Gym, Stephen Brett, Dutch Furniture Workshop, M Doherty, North West Pork and Blue Aries Tiles were all penalised.

A spokesperson said: “Since January 26, 2007 until May 15, 2012 - £1246.06 has been recovered - through the companies listed. This is a combination of signs being retrieved and compensation for costs incurred following Court action.”

Although the spokesperson said Roads Service does not have accurate records of the number of illegal signs and posters removed in Northern Division over the past five years, in the past year alone 160 illegal signs and posters were removed.

“If the organisation or individual wishes to retrieve a sign from us we charge £50 per sign. In the vast majority of cases the signs are not retrieved.

“Persistent offenders are prosecuted through the Courts but this can be a lengthy process,” spokesperson said.