Residents around Erskine Park and surrounding suburbs have had enough of advertising billboards used by small businesses.
With an influx of posters on fences on both public and private land, locals think it is negatively impacting the look of the area.
Gaye Johnson, who regularly drives along Erskine Park Road, said Penrith Council should help manage the billboards that are often advertising kitchen businesses.
“It is getting just as bad as the graffiti in the area and the signs need to be monitored and removed more quickly with fines or warnings sent to these companies,” Ms Johnson said.
“Council should care for the area’s image and when the maintenance crew go around and cut grass they should report what they see or pull the signs down.”
The Graffiti Control Act 2008 states that a person must not intentionally affix a placard or paper on any premises without consent from the occupier.
Kate O’Neill, who also thinks the illegal advertising is an eyesore, had a sign put her fence in Erskine Park earlier this year.
“The sign was put onto our fence in July without our knowledge and I made contact with the number asking for it to be removed but nothing happened,” Ms O’Neill said.
“Our property is not an advertising billboard to be used by anyone when they see fit to do so and now due to the recent weather, the signage has now come down and is lying around like trash at the back of my property.”
The Weekender reached out to the company listed on the poster at Ms O’Neill’s property, which was adamant that it only advertises at homes with permission.
Ms O’Neill strongly disagreed with the business’ claim, saying that they made no request prior to seek permission.
A Penrith Council spokesperson said that current legislation prevents Council from prosecuting individuals without witnessing an individual installing an illegal sign or poster.
“Council put forward a motion at the last Local Government NSW Conference to deem that where illegal advertising or posters are concerned the advertised business is assumed to have committed the offence unless proven otherwise,” the spokesperson said.
“This amendment would serve as a significant deterrent against these types of offences.”
Any concerned residents are encouraged to contact Council to make a report.
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Emily covers Local, State and Federal politics for the Weekender, as well as crime and general news.
