Historic funfairs in Wiltshire are at risk of shutting down if current flyposting regulations remain unchanged, councillors will hear next week. The stricter clampdown on unauthorised billposting has unintentionally hindered traditional advertising methods vital to these events.
At the full council meeting on Tuesday, October 21, councillors will consider a motion urging the creation of a ‘Trusted Billposters’ register. This scheme aims to help longstanding community events like village fairs and travelling funfairs continue advertising without excessive bureaucracy.
Councillors Allison Bucknell (Lyneham) and Jane Davies (Marlborough West) highlight that these funfairs rely heavily on ad hoc signage to attract visitors. Previously, putting up such signs in reasonable locations went unchallenged. However, the new stricter enforcement now places a heavy administrative burden on volunteers and risks silencing historic family businesses like George Scarrotts Funfair.
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Currently, businesses are expected to coordinate poster placements in advance with highways officers for every event—a process deemed overly complicated and resource-intensive for both organisers and council staff. The proposed Trusted Billposter scheme would allow organisations to agree once on a signage plan with the council, streamlining future advertising through simple notifications.
If an organisation fails to adhere to the agreed plan, their trusted status—and thus advertising privileges—could be revoked, ensuring accountability.
The motion calls for officers to draft a policy that aligns with planning and highways laws, detailing responsibilities and operational procedures for Trusted Billposters. The council would then review this policy at a future meeting, aiming to preserve the advertising rights of these important community fixtures while maintaining legal compliance.