Autism-friendly festival organiser 'disgusted' at roadside signs ban

The banners installed earlier this year need to be removed

The organisers of a festival for families with autistic children have been ordered to remove roadside banners advertising their event.

Gemma Hall, founder of Spectrum Festival, had put banners at the A6 in Ambergate and the A610 at Woodlinkin.

She says she was threatened with prosecution by Amber Valley Borough Council if the displays were not removed.

The council has said it sympathises with Spectrum.

A spokesman added the council hoped the event was a success, but it had a duty to enforce the rules on unauthorised signage.

Mrs Hall told the BBC: "I've got no choice but to take them down, I can't afford to be prosecuted.

"We're a community interest company, we run like a charity. Every penny Spectrum makes is put back into Spectrum.

"I feel disgusted. All I'm trying to do is a good thing, trying to help families with autistic children have a place to relax, without fear of judgement. It's shameful."

A banner near a roadside burger bar in Ambergate also has to go

Mrs Hall says this year the organisation is planning two events for the first time - a mini festival on 18 May at Shipley Country Park, and a full event at Lea Green Activity Centre near Matlock on 14 September.

Activities that families can enjoy at the May event range from pony rides to biscuit decorating

A council spokesperson said: "Amber Valley Borough Council became aware of the presence of posters advertising an event being placed by the roadside and we therefore contacted the event organiser advising them that to do so was an offence and requested their removal.

"We would do this in the case of a private business advertising or a charitable organisation.

"The organisation has agreed to remove them. and expressed their disappointment with the request, which has been noted.

"Unfortunately, roadside signage that is unapproved may cause a distraction to motorists, raising the risk of an accident and additionally make an area unsightly.

"The council would encourage event organisers to use other forms of advertising for their events rather than placing unauthorised signs by the side of the public highway.

"We do of course hope that the event is a huge success for them all, we just have to ensure that it is promoted safely."