Graffiti and Flyposting

How do I report graffiti or flyposting?
Why should graffiti be removed?
What is flyposting?
Is it a Problem?
What Can Be Done to Combat Fly-Posting?
What does the Council do?

How do I report graffiti or flyposting?
If you would like any unsightly flyposting or graffiti removed from Council property or street furniture please contact Maldon District Council on 01621 854477 or fill in our online form by clicking here.

Why should graffiti be removed?

Graffiti is a form of anti social behaviour and by ensuring its removal, as well as flyposting, we will not only be improving our local environment, but also the quality of life for many residents, reducing the fear of crime that it causes and increasing pride in the community.

What is flyposting?

There is no statutory definition of fly-posting. However, it is generally stated as the display of advertising material on buildings and street furniture without consent of the owner, and contrary to the law.

Flyposting can constitute several forms:

• any size and type of material from large posters to pieces of paper attached to a surface with blu-tac or cellotape, placards affixed to lampposts or railings, and small stickers;

• advertisements for local events, businesses and services;

• the remains of these materials, and

• any fixings that have been used to attach them to a surface.

Political posters, personal and out-of-date public notices are also defined as flyposting. However, they account for a smaller percentage of the problem than those sources listed above.

Is it a Problem?

Across England, fly-posting does not constitute a major problem. In a recent survey conducted by ENCAMS, over 10,000 sites were analysed, yet flyposting was present in only, 11% of these. Furthermore, most incidents were so small in scale as to be virtually unnoticeable to people passing through an area.

However, the same survey also showed that fly-posting is more prevalent in somelocations than others. But as Maldon District is rural flyposting is not a problem.

What Can Be Done to Combat Fly-Posting?

• Prosecution through the magistrates court;

• Rapid removal of fly-posters once they appear;

• Prevention through the use of site treatments;

• Legalised sites.

What does the Council do?

The Council takes a pro-active approach to dealing with graffiti and flyposting. The Council is responsible for removing graffiti and flyposting from public property e.g. park benches, lamp posts signage etc, however, it is not responsible for removing it from private property. For residents or local businesses effected by graffiti or flyposting we will give advice on how the issue can be tackled and assist where we can, however, as a last resort, if it is not removed we do have powers to serve a Graffiti Removal Notice to the responsible person if action is not taken in a timely manner.

An Officer will endeavour to contact a complainant within 3 working days following receipt of their complant or query.