A seaside town has launched a major clampdown on flyposting.

Worthing Borough Council is taking action after a spate of posters were put up around the town centre.

One major operator has already had to pay out £1,200 after a successful prosecution.

Now council officers are warning other companies could also be taken to court.

Last week, Worthing magistrates imposed a fine of £900, plus £300 costs, on Connaught Leisure as the promoter of events featured on flyposters. The offender who put them up was fined £50.

The council's development control manager James Appleton said: "The council is committed to ensuring that the town is kept clear of all unsightly and illegal flyposting.

"It is hoped that this recent prosecution will send a clear message to other promotions companies and night-club operators that illegal flyposting will not be tolerated."

He added: "Historically, flyposting has been a big problem in Worthing.

"It comes and goes but during the summer it is particularly bad.

"This year, in particular from April onwards, there was a real proliferation of flyposting.

"We have put a lot of resources into clearing the town of unsightlit flyposters."

Mr Appleton said railings and NTL boxes were often targeted and the problem was not confined to the town centre.

Head of planning Mike Bleakley said action against a number of offenders had been taken and formal cautions had been served on other operators who had breached advertisement regulations.

He said 14 summonses had been issued.

Today nobody from Connaught Leisure would comment.