'Killjoy' Colchester Council attacked from taking down funfair signs (From Gazette)

'Killjoy' Colchester Council attacked from taking down funfair signs

7:30pm Tuesday 23rd August 2011 in News By Caroline Tilley

Colchester Council has been labelled a “killjoy” after it again targeted a business for breaching planning rules.

Owners of a travelling fairground on the Old Heath Recreation Ground had put up signs and directions at the weekend to help customers find its car park.

But they were left frustrated after council workers turned up yesterday morning and removed them.

The fair’s Darren Matthews said: “They’re such killjoys.

“People coming to the fair had complained there wasn’t sufficient road signs to tell them where we or the car park are.

“So we put up signs along the road to guide people in.

“Drivers are coming from as far away as Lakeside and Romford, so they need to know where to go, especially with all the roadworks blocking up the town.

“But the council has come round and taken all the signs down.

“They told us off because we don’t have permission. But we are only here for 14 days.”

Mr Matthews said the signs had also been put up to help local residents.

“We are trying to make sure our customers use the car park,” he said.

“I thought we were doing the right thing by putting the signs up because it stops drivers from parking in residential spaces and causing them hassle.

“It’s a complete shame. There are a lot of people heading in this direction at the moment and they could now get lost.”

The incident is the latest in a string of businesses complaining about council planning rules.

Last week, Mick Bates, of Bates Roofing and Construction, staged a mock ceremony after he was ordered to tear down his sign because it broke planning rules.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “An exemption exists within the Town and Country Planning Act legislation that permits circuses and funfairs to put up signs and advertisements at agreed locations, providing they consult with the local authority.

“Material of this nature that has been put up without liaising with Colchester Council planning department will be removed, as our policy clearly states.”