Health club put up illegal banners

Esporta Group Ltd, the operator of the club, was ordered to pay almost 5,000 in fines and costs on Monday for putting the signs up without permission.

The case was brought to Lewes Magistrates' Court by the district council.

The court heard Esporta put two large banner advertisements on the B2123 road bridge railings over the A27 at Falmer without consent on May 29, 2007.

According to the district council, Esporta had previously received, but ignored, advice and warnings after similar incidents, and failed to respond to a written request from the council.

The company was fined 1,500 for each of the unlawful advertisements, 300 for failing to respond to the request for information from the local authority, and was ordered to pay full prosecution costs of 1,559.50 as well as a victim surcharge of 15.

A spokesman for Esporta Ltd told the Express: 'This was a mistake and

was basically a case of over-enthusiasm.

'Staff at the club now fully understand what is permitted and what is not permitted and apologise.'