Residents in Belsize Park say large estate agents banners which have gone up on lampposts throughout the area are an “ugly” eyesore and should not have been allowed by Camden.

Ham & High: Advertising banners on lampposts in Haverstock HillAdvertising banners on lampposts in Haverstock Hill (Image: � Nigel Sutton email pictures@nigelsuttonphotography.com)

They are “angry and frustrated” that the council granted permission for an application from advertising company Bay Media for 47 lamppost banners along Haverstock Hill and Rosslyn Hill. in February

Dr Peter du Plessis slammed the Greene & Company posters as “ugly”

He said: “It is astonishing that Camden council gave consent to these banner advertisements. They are rather huge, but even if they were smaller, it is more clutter in our beautiful village. These banners do not serve our community, the local taxpayers. Residents have gone to great lengths to improve our environment and then Camden Council undo what is achieved. I and others feel frustrated and angry about this.”

Linda Grove, who has campaigned to tidy up the area, said: “Camden should not allow companies to advertise in our high streets like this. Where will we be if every shop decided to advertise on our lampposts?”

Lizzie Miller, from Bay Media, said in a letter supporting the company’s application in February: “The roads and sites in question have been chosen with advice from Camden Council’s procurement and street lighting team prior to pre-planning.

“Pre-planning advice was then sought to determine the viability of this proposal being accepted.”

Scott Finn, Sales Manager at Greene & Co, said: “We recently purchased advertising space promoting the service we offer on banners placed along Belsize Park High Street through Bay Media, who have full approval from Camden Council. “As a company we are fully committed to supporting the local community and as a result we financially sponsor a number of local initiatives throughout the year, including local school fetes, Christmas lights for the High Street.”