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Two estate agencies have been fined by magistrates after placing For Sale and To Rent boards on properties without the owners’ instruction, following enforcement action by their local council.
Staines Magistrates’ Court heard two cases brought by Spelthorne Borough Council against local estate agents accused of breaching advertising regulations.
Staines Seymour Ltd
In the first case, Staines Seymour Ltd pleaded guilty to seven offences under advertisement control rules. The company was found to have displayed estate agency boards on properties that were not for sale or rent. The signs also promoted charity events and their own business, in violation of planning regulations.
Company co-owner Mrs D’Costa appeared in court to represent the business and presented mitigating circumstances. In recognition of her attendance and cooperation, the court reduced the fine to £295 per offence, rather than the standard £440.
In addition to the fines, the company was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £826 and £2,400 in court costs, bringing the total payable to £5,291, due by 1 October.
The Frost Partnership (Berkshire) Ltd
In the second case, The Frost Partnership (Berkshire) Ltd was charged with 14 offences of breaching advertisement control regulations. The company did not attend court, and the case was heard in their absence.
Magistrates found the firm guilty of displaying boards on properties without instruction, again promoting charity events and their own services. Due to their absence, the court imposed the full penalty of £440 per offence.
The company was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £2,464 and £2,363 in costs, bringing the total amount due to £10,987, payable by 9 September.
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