Top Florist Told To Remove Banner Promotion Or Risk Large Fine

Tue, 01 Jul 2008

Britain’s number one florist has been warned that she risks facing a large fine unless a sign, highlighting her success at being named ‘UK Flower Shop of the Year’, above the entrance to her shop is removed.

Instead of receiving praise by her local council, Kaye Allan, who trades as Diana Kaye, has been ordered to take down the "unauthorised advert " or face paying a fine of £2,500 for each day the sign remains up.

The Stockton Borough council informed Mrs Allan that her shop, in Yarm, near Stockton, is a listed building and had she applied for planning approval to erect the 11ft by 20in sign, it would not have been approved.

"I am just bewildered that they should react like this, rather than shouting about it," commented Mrs Allan.

"A lot of the florists had backing from their councils. One lady who entered the competition down south found the flags were literally being put out for her.

"All I am trying to do is run a business . It is a temporary sign," she added.

The florist owner saw off competition from more than 1,500 entries to win the ‘Flower Shop of the Year’ accolade, designed by the Flower Council of Holland, but has admitted that the council’s reaction has made her think twice about defending her national title.

A spokesman for Stockton council said: "We have received a number of formal complaints about the number of banners being erected on buildings and structures in the borough and as a local authority have a statutory duty to enforce the regulations."

"We have been in contact with a number of businesses and organisations regarding the issue of unauthorised banners and have taken a fair and consistent approach with them all.

He added: "We in no way wish to quell the efforts of businesses and individuals and appreciate all the wonderful events and commercial activities Yarm has to offer ."

"We thank Diana Kaye for her co-operation, along with others we have contacted."
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