Wickford Rotarians today criticised council "spoilsports" who forced them to take down signs promoting a big charity concert.

The Rotary Club put up placards in London Road, Wickford, and throughout the town centre to publicise its tribute band gig on June 5.

But Basildon council said the signs were 40 centimetres too big and must be removed immediately.

Club president Peter Yeo today blasted Basildon Council for being so petty.

He said: "I'm very angry. There's a sign on the Wickford roundabout which is about 10ft long advertising a Southend concert and the council haven't ordered that to be taken down.

"Our sign in London Road is staked in the ground just outside where I work and safely back from the road. It's not causing any problems.

"The council visited me and said we're allowed a sign on our own property if it's 1 metre by 60 centimetres. Our sign is about 1 metre square."

The placards advertise a special charity concert the club has worked hard to organise over the past few months.

It will take place at Barleylands Farm, in Barleylands Road, Billericay, and include performances from top tribute bands Abba UK, the Moon Dog Beatles and the All Spice Girls.

The club is hoping to attract 4,000 people in an attempt to meet its fundraising target of £20,000 to buy the London Chest Hospital vital new computer equipment.

Mr Yeo said: "I just hope the council planners never have heart problems. This seems like a vendetta against us. It's so mean."

The club is now having to use valuable funds from its kitty to fork out for smaller signs.

A council spokesman said: "The Rotary Club put up some signs which it was unauthorised to do. The sign in London Road will be taken down and the others, in positions where the club has permission to put them, will be replaced with smaller signs."

Tickets for the concert cost £10 for adults and £5 for children. They can be booked by calling 01268 735373.

Give us a break - Rotary Club president Peter Yeo thinks the council is being unreasonable

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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