ORGANISERS of a village show in Northumberland have become the latest people to be threatened with prosecution unless they remove advertising signs.

The committee of volunteers who stage the annual Glanton Show were shocked to receive correspondence from Northumberland County Council warning that they faced court action if they did not take down their signs within five days.

Show bosses last night called on the council to show more consideration and understanding, while the authority’s actions were condemned by Glanton Parish Council.

But the county insisted it was simply following Government policy and that consent must be granted for all roadside signs.

The traditional country show, first held 88 years ago, draws hundreds of people into the village near Alnwick each summer.

For many years, organisers have put up signs at the side of the nearby A697 in advance of the event, in a bid to draw in more people. They have never sought council permission, but – until now – have never had any problems from the authority. Two signs were put up roughly three weeks ago, ahead of this year’s show on August 13.

Now show secretary Liz Knox has received an email from a council enforcement officer saying the erection of the signs without consent is illegal.

The email claims each advertisement is a separate offence and warns that “anyone who derives benefit” from the signs is liable to prosecution.

Show bosses have been told to remove the signs in five days, or face court action.

Last night, event committee vice chairman John Swanson branded the council’s stance heavy-handed and questioned whether the county would be taking similar same action against organisers of Northumberland’s other shows, many of which put up similar roadside advertising signs.

He said it would reduce numbers at this year’s event if the signs have to be removed.