A Burnham-On-Sea cafe owner has criticised Sedgemoor District Council for taking him to court after he put up a street sign promoting his business.
Keith Holman, who runs the fish and chip shop Brit Chips in Adam Street, has been prosecuted for using a mobile advertisement.
Taunton Deane Magistrates, after a written guilty plea, have handed him a fine of £135 plus a £30 victim surcharge fee and costs of £75.
Keith says he is unhappy that Sedgemoor District Council brought the case against him when, he claims, many other traders are flouting the regulations.
“Many other businesses in Burnham with similar advertisement signs have not been prosecuted,” he told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“There are hundreds of similar signs throughout Burnham and the district and the council is not taking any action, so it feels unfair.”
“My sign was not putting anyone in danger. If it is right for the Council to take action against me, why not against all other businesses?”
Keith’s sign was in place at the corner of The Esplanade and Adam Street near his shop.
But a council spokeswoman has this week defended its approach, telling Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Sedgemoor District Council will continue to support all businesses within the district trying to ensure a fair, even-handed and common sense approach to advertising legislation.”
“Legislation in relation to the control of advertising is only used as a last resort when other methods of control have failed.”
“Sedgemoor District Council try and ensure fairness for all businesses within the area and will continue to do so.”
The proceedings were brought under S224 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 and regulations 4 & 30 of the Town & Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007.
