A KILWINNING councillor has blasted NAC for being “pernickety” after they ripped down banners and posters advertising community events.

Councillor Donald Reid says council chiefs tore down banners for last week’s Picnic in the Park before the event took place, as part of their ‘Flyposting’ policy.

Under the policy, introduced this year, it is now against the rules to put up any posters, banners, stickers or printed material which is “informally or illegally fixed to any structure”.

Anyone wanting to put up a banner must consult with North Ayrshire Council at least 28 days before they plan to put them up.

However Councillor Reid says although he is in favour of the general policy, he hoped that NAC’s Environmental Enforcement team would exercise “common sense”.

“I support the Flyposting policy because at election time it is too much. There are posters put up everywhere. But this is a community event that drives thousands of people into the town and gives it a real boost. You would think they would have exercised a bit of restraint and common sense when they seen what the banners were for. It’s a bit pernickety.

“Our next event is the fireworks display in November and we will be frustrated if they do the same with that.”

James Burns from the Kilwinning Horticultural Society says his group’s posters advertising their annual Flower Show were taken down just a day after they put them up.

He said: “Our society, and many other local groups, are working hard to maintain a sense of community for residents of all ages in our town.

“Some members of this council seem to not realise that they are damaging our local communities by bringing in such a non essential policy. I’m sure they have more important things to work on. It just doesn’t make sense when we are building up activities for our townsfolk. I am angry and frustrated.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Whether it’s promoting a community event or advertising a local business, we have a very clear and consistent policy when it comes to posters being put up across North Ayrshire.

“Flyposting can distract drivers and having posters/materials on bridges and structure can be unsightly and have a negative impact on the amenity of an area. We simply can’t have one rule for one event and another rule for others. This would be unfair.

“Our team always look to work actively with community groups to support them and find ways they can advertise their events in a safe and legal way. We have provided the organisers of these events with the necessary guidance so it is disappointing they have chosen to ignore it.”