SHOPKEEPERS have been warned to beware of lucrative cash offers from advertising hoarding companies, after a court case.

An advertising hoarding company was fined £1,500 for installing signs without planning permission.

Stockton Borough Council prosecuted London company Primelight Advertising Ltd, at Teesside Magistrates Court yesterday.

The company was fined £750 for each of two signs which were put on the pavement outside a newsagent's in Norton Road, Stockton. It admitted the charges, and was ordered to pay £300 costs.

The company was warned two years ago that its signs required planning permission.

Afterwards, Barry Jackson, council development control officer, said: "Advertising companies such as these know full well planning consent is required. They are flouting the law by raking in their profit before action is taken.

"In this case, they have received a stiff fine for doing so, but their action could also land unsuspecting shopkeepers in hot water.

"Shopkeepers are offered payment for allowing the signs on their land but, as the law stands, they can also be liable for breaking the law.

"In this case, we felt that action against the shopkeeper was inappropriate, but that might not be the case in future."