Farmer reports council to police over sign-snatching
A dispute over a fruit farm’s roadside advertisements culminated in a parish council being reported for theft.
Last week contractors working for East Farleigh Parish Council removed two signs from crossroads at Dean Street and Heath Road belonging to Milebush Farm.
The 14.5 acre plot in Shingle Barn Lane is owned by Bill Arnold, who puts up placards for his pick- your-own-fruit business.
He called police after his property, worth £120, was not returned and he faces paying £240 to replace four other missing signs.
But after looking into the case, police say it cannot be construed as theft and no further action is being taken. They classed it as a civil issue.
Mr Arnold 57, maintains that the parish council has no authority to remove the signs as no enforcement action was taken.
He said: “It is acting as judge and jury. It is ridiculous. These signs are on private land and they are neat and professional.
“I want them back now. I am not a millionaire, I need to advertise and sell my produce.”
But Cllr John Wilson, chairman of East Farleigh Parish Council, said the authority was within its rights to have them removed as they contravened the parish’s ban on roadside adverts except for local events. He said the “incongruous” signs were on public land as they were fixed to hedgerows and fencing.
Cllr Wilson said: “We are a rural community and it is our responsibility as a parish council to maintain that, not just for the village but for everybody.”
Cllr Wilson said his justification stemmed from the Town and Country Planning Act, giving powers to remove placards to “local planning authorities”.
The law says notice must first be given – something Mr Arnold claims didn’t happen.
Maidstone council, which is responsible for taking action against unlawful roadside adverts, said it was not pursuing any issues against Milebush Farm.