Sunday 20th March 2011 - Published by Lara Page - Account Manager
Jobs at risk after threat of draconian fines by council
A Midlands council has been accused of putting jobs at risk by unfairly targeting one business it has been claimed.
Rapid Remap, have hit out at Cannock Chase District Council, after it was told to remove advertising signs used to promote the company’s business.
The company, based at Key Point, in Cannock, says the actions of the council could affect its trade and force it to axe jobs in order to save costs.
Mike Walton, Managing director of Rapid Remap, was stunned to receive the demand from the council to remove free standing signs, and now fears that he could be forced to lay off one or more employees.
Rapid Remap, which specialises in reprogramming vehicle engine computer systems to save drivers up to 20 per cent on fuel, received a letter from the council threatening legal action and fines of £2,500 if the signs were not removed within 48 hours.
The letter also threatened to levy a £250 a day fine for each of the signs if they were not taken down.
The company had two signs – one on Eastern Way, between Martindale and the Biffa tip island, and one on Keys Park Road, 30 yards from the entrance to the company’s estate.
The signs are 3ft tall by 2ft wide and have been specifically placed away from public footpaths to prevent any danger to pedestrians.
An angry Mr Walton has now accused the council of acting unfairly, claiming there are close to 100 similar signs dotted around Cannock Chase:
“Why have we been singled out? I wouldn’t mind as much if the council was threatening all businesses, but it appears we have been unfairly targeted?
If this is a rule they intend to enforce, they have to enforce it for all businesses not just a few.” Mike said.
“The signs produce a valuable source of revenue, which has enabled us to expand our workforce, losing that revenue may mean redundancies,” added Mike.
Mr Walton believes the council should be focussed on encouraging small businesses during the economic downturn and not threatening them with legal action for promoting their business.
Rapid Remap Team
