THINKING of putting up a poster asking for help to find a lost pet or advertising a car boot sale? Well think again.

Residents hoping to promote events in their local area by pinning notices to lamp posts and trees have been warned not - after the council announced its intention to make flyposting 'a thing of the past' across the borough.

The council's 'Street Crime Team' has earmarked the offence as a key priority over the coming months and warned that anyone caught pasting bills on the borough's street furniture will be fined or prosecuted.

The news will come as shock to many community groups and associations which rely on posting information to advertise upcoming events in their neighbourhoods.

A council spokeswoman said: "Fly posting could soon become a thing of the past in Redbridge as the Street Scene Team works hard to rid the Borough of this crime.

"Putting up unauthorised posters and stickers on street furniture like traffic lights and lamp posts is fly posting and is illegal. Although it may seem harmless, it looks unsightly, spoils the environment and can also be a distraction for drivers. If the posters are not removed they can slowly rot and cause litter problems.

"If an authorised Street Scene Enforcement Officer believes you have fly posted in the borough they could decide to start criminal proceedings, or if appropriate they can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice, which is a one off fine.

"If this fine is not paid within the specified time, Redbridge Council can and will seek to prosecute for the offence.

"Redbridge Council continues to work hard with ongoing surveillance and acts on public information to combat fly posting.

"Residents can report fly posting by calling 8554 5000."