A WAR of words has broken out between councillors over the placing of signs to advertise community events.

County councillor Gordon Yarranton said he was disgusted by the “short-sightedness” of Bewdley town councillor Paul Gittins.

Coun Gittins reported signs – which had been placed on traffic islands to promote events run by local groups and charities – to highways officers at Worcestershire County Council.

However, Coun Gittins said road safety concerns had motivated his actions and he denied being mean or pathetic.

Coun Yarranton, councillor for Cookley, Wolverley and Wribbenhall, claimed hundreds of pounds worth of signage had gone missing across the Wyre Forest district in the past few months.

He said communities needed all the help they could get during the current economic climate and this justified turning a blind eye to some fly-posting.

He said: “I support functions which raise money for villages and towns. They rely on this funding, especially when they’re having such a difficult time.

“These signs are only out for a day or two. I really don’t understand why Coun Gittins wants them removed. As councillors, we’re there to help benefit our communities, not to stand in their way.

“His argument is that these signs take drivers’ concentration away from the road but he’s got no proof that any accidents have been caused by them.”

Coun Gittins said his concern was for the safety of road users who could be distracted by the signage.

He said: “I’m against any fly-posting on traffic islands which may cause a distraction to motorists.

“Along the side of straight roads is not as bad, but it’s the distraction I’m worried about.

“I do appreciate how difficult it is to advertise events because I am on a few committees of local organisations myself.

“I’m not being mean or pathetic. There are other ways of advertising events, such as newspapers, websites and noticeboards.

“I’m just concerned about people’s safety and anyone with any sense would agree with me.

“Some of the traffic islands are quite busy enough without motorists having to think about reading signs on them.”

A spokeswoman for Worcestershire County Council said while there was tolerance of such notices, only official yellow and black temporary event signs arranged through organisations such as the AA and RAC were permitted on public highways.

She said the council would only investigate and remove signs where there had been a complaint, with each situation considered on its merits.