Firm was warned that their advert would be removed from Guiseley sign (From Wharfedale Observer)

Firm was warned that their advert would be removed from Guiseley sign

7:02pm Wednesday 17th October 2007 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

A company which advertised on a boundary sign was warned its name would be taken off just days before it was damaged, it has been revealed.

Last week, Leeds City Council condemned the thieves who stole part of the sign from the outskirts of Guiseley.

And they warned that community projects which were partly funded by advertising could be hit because of the vandalism. In Guiseley, the money from advertising on the new sign on the A6038 Hollins Hill road had already been put towards the In Bloom flower troughs.

The council also warned businesses could be deterred from sponsoring more signs because of fears of theft or vandalism.

Now, the managing director of the company sponsoring the Hollins Hill sign has revealed he had already received a warning about the advertisement.

John Harker said his company, Greenholme Mills Carpet Centre, had paid to advertise on the sign, but had received an aggressive' phone call just before it was stolen.

"It was from someone who wouldn't give his name and who said we didn't have planning permission," he said.

"They said they didn't like the sign being there and they were going to rip it down.

"A couple of days later it had disappeared, despite the council being aware of that phone call.

"The guy who rang me wouldn't give me his name, but he sounded like an older man rather than a hooligan. I suspect it would be some preservation society or something."

Mr Harker stressed that the design of the sign had been agreed with the council and that it was perfectly acceptable.

"There is no jazz about it. It is a very conservative, well- designed sign," he said. "It is just a commercial sign."

Mr Harker added that his company had paid a substantial' amount for the sign.

"It would certainly have bought a few flowers for Guiseley in Bloom," he said.