THE ORGANISER of a free Puriton fun day has told the Mercury of his frustration after being fined £100 for putting up banners advertising it.

Alan Scott, chairman of Puriton Party in the Park, was presented with two £50 fines for putting up the banners, which he has used in previous years.

He said: “I was told the banners were too big and to put them up we needed to have planning permission.

“We were also told we put them up a week too early.

“I received two fines so we’re already £100 down for the event.”

The banners were put up near the Express Park and by Hall Road.

Alan added: “We’ve put the banners up in those same areas before so we thought it would be fine.

“It’s so frustrating as the event is to raise funds for projects in the village.”

The event was held last Saturday at Puriton Village Hall and included dog agility demonstrations, Irish dancing, local bands and local singers.

Profits after expenses will go to village groups with last year’s event raising more than £1,000.

A Sedgemoor District Council spokesman said: “Fly-posting is a criminal activity, regardless of what event is being advertised.

“Flyposting is displaying any advertising material on buildings and street furniture without the consent of the owner. It includes any size of material from small stickers to large posters.

“SDC has the ability to issue fixed penalty notices, which it did in this instance.”