Drama group says 'time to act' on banner rules

Leighton Buzzard Drama Group has two months to rehearse before the curtain rises on its annual panto

A drama group is hoping the curtain will soon be coming down on rules about displaying banners in its town.

Leighton Buzzard Drama Group (LBDG) says Central Bedfordshire Council has placed unreasonable restrictions on where productions can be advertised.

The authority has told community groups that it was likely formal action would be taken against any organisation that fixes banners to railings or lampposts without permission.

The council has now agreed to review its policy.

The annual pantomime is a popular event in the town - Oh yes it is!

LBDG puts on four productions each year, but the one that takes a lead role in generating income to keep the group going is the three-week annual pantomime.

Russell Bennett, part of LBDG's committee, said: "It's absolutely critical.

"The plays that we do during the year only run for three performances, so if you can make one of those shows break even, you've had a great show.

"Historically, it's always been the pantomime, where we do 15 shows, that's funded the group for the rest of the year."

LBDG member Russell Bennett wants the banners to dominate the outdoor scenery by facing the highway

Community organisations received an email from the council in July which said that any banners fixed to railings or posts would have to be taken down.

It added that anyone putting up notices without permission in the future could be prosecuted under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2006.

Mr Bennett said there had been "a gentleman's agreement" previously which allowed LBDG to display banners for a short interval at show time, but they were now operating against the backdrop of the threat of a fine for doing so.

Director Kim Aguilar has been leading dress rehearsals with her actors

Kim Aguilar, director of this year's panto, said: "It's so important for us to be able to advertise.

"You get cars passing these banners that you wouldn't normally be able to reach.

"If our panto doesn't sell, if we were to lose money on our pantomime, that would be really hard for us."

There is nothing wishy-washy about LBDG's annual pantomime

Meanwhile, the Leighton Buzzard Art Society asked how permission could be obtained for banners and said it was told that a planning application would have to be completed.

The group understands that an application fee would have to be paid for each banner.

The issue was raised by an independent councillor, Victoria Harvey, at a council meeting on Thursday and the authority agreed to refer it to the Executive Member for Highways.

Central Bedfordshire Council said it had a "serious duty to ensure road safety".

"Wherever banners or signage on railings, lampposts or road signs are reported, it must consider the safety implications," a spokesperson said.

"The council does everything it can to support local groups and events - community groups like the drama club also benefit from reduced hire rates and additional technical support to help keep their costs down."