Three estate agents have been fined after pleading guilty to displaying illegal advertisements.

Boyce Thornton, Aston Mead Estate Agents and APW Management (Cobham) all admitted the offence at Redhill Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, March 25.

Elmbridge Council had previously sent letters to the three companies reminding them of their responsibilities and said prosecution proceedings would follow for unauthorised signs.

The estate agents continued to display signs on common land, highway verges and on street signs and after complaints from residents, the council launched proceedings against the companies.

Boyce Thornton was fined £1,000 for illegal advertising, ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge and costs of £225.45 to the council.

Aston Mead Estate Agents had previously been found guilty of similar offences and on this occasion was fined £1,500 for illegal advertising, ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge and costs of £206.01 to the council.

APW Management (Cobham) was fined £750 for illegal advertising, ordered to pay a £75 victim surcharge and made to pay £204.30 of costs to the council.

Councillor Mary Sheldon, portfolio holder for regulatory affairs, said: “I am delighted that officers have successfully taken action against these companies who have continued to operate their business in a way that causes an unreasonable impact on the neighbourhood.

“I hope that this will send a clear message to anyone operating a commercial enterprise within Elmbridge that while we are happy to support them in their undertakings they must all comply with the same set of rules.”