A JEWELLER says he was “treated like a criminal” by council workers who targeted his store during a blitz on banners.

Colchester Council staff visited 20 town centre premises to order the removal of promotional material from outside shop fronts, as external banners are banned under advertising bylaws.

Council bosses said the operation was business as usual, but Nick Ambrose, of Nicholas Jewellers, in High Street, said the tough stance officials took left him feeling like the victim of a “gangster shakedown”.

He added: “I wasn’t at the shop when they came in so they got hold of my mobile phone number and rang me.

“They said ‘take the banners down’ and I said ‘why?’ “They told me they couldn’t be bothered to explain why and that if I didn’t take them down within seven days they would bring me in and interview me under caution.”

Mr Ambrose said he had been half expecting a complaint from the council about the banner over his doorway, which he was instructed to put up by his head office and accepted was on the large side.

He added: “Why couldn’t they write me a letter or just explain why they wanted me to take it down.

“Trading conditions are really difficult at the moment and shops need to advertise themselves as much as they can.

“If they are choosing to enforce the regulations, we have to accept it, but there is no need to be so threatening and aggressive.”

The council has previously faced criticism from small businesses which claim it is strangling commerce by enforcing a strict ban on promotional leaflets.

Martin Hunt, Colchester councillor responsible for street and waste services, said his staff took a firm, fair approach to dealing with leaflets and banners.

He added: “The street care team regularly helps businesses and retailers to understand the strict legal controls regarding the distribution of printed literature and the use of banners.

“The team operates in a firm, fair, consistent and polite manner and the majority of businesses respect and abide by the regulations and are grateful for advice.”