A leading estate agent has reacted angrily after receiving £100 litter fines because sale boards were found lying on the ground.

Lee James Pendleton (main picture) is refusing to pay the fines that rise to £150 if not paid within 10 days, and is willing to go to court if necessary.

Pendleton, co-founder of London agent James Pendleton, told The Neg he is shocked, and will fight the five penalties all the way to the High Court.

The fixed penalty notices issued by Wandsworth Council warn that if the amount isn’t paid then the ‘offender’ could face a fine up to £2,500 in a magistrates court and have a criminal record.

“This is one of the most unbelievable stealth taxes. These boards could have fallen down because of wind or because someone accidentally knocked them over,” he says.

“At least give us a warning of 72 hours so we can sort it out. Where has this come from?”

“We have been targeted. What about McDonald’s and KFC wrappers, are they being prosecuted as well?” he asks.

Abandoned

Pendleton says he will talk to other agents about the fines, and believes they can represent themselves in court.

A spokesman for Wandsworth Council defended the fines: “It is the responsibility of all local estate agents to make sure their signage does not end up broken and abandoned on pavements and footpaths causing unsightly and potentially hazardous obstructions for our residents.

“It is absolutely up to the agents concerned to make sure they remove their boards as soon as a property is sold or let rather than leaving them in place for prolonged periods which mean they end up causing litter problems.”

Read more about signboards.