A FARMER who put up six signs for the UK Independence Party is fuming that they have been removed by South Gloucestershire Council.

Chris Simpson, of Marsh Farm, Pucklechurch, put up the signs for the party more than a week ago. But over the weekend four of the signs were removed.

Mr Simpson told the Gazette: "I put up signs for the UK Independence Party on private land between Pucklechurch, Westerleigh and Yate. The council has since removed the signs.

"I know that they were taken down by other people first, but they were put back up again. Then the council came along and removed them, so somebody has obviously asked them to come and take the signs down.

"They were up for well over a week and a half - all on private land. One was on a electricity pole and another in a field. I even cut back my hedge to put one up."

Mr Simpson continued: "I spoke to somebody at the council who said they were taken down because they were on grass verges. There is no way they were on public land. They also told me that somebody had made an official complaint, but they wouldn't tell me who they were.

"I did inform the police to tell them the signs had been stolen before I knew it was the council who took them. But I doubt very much that they will do anything about it now.

"The council have said they will bring the signs back and I think they should put them back up, but they said they can't do that because they haven't got time.

"I am absolutely livid about it and I think it is disgusting we can't even have rights in this country. We have got to have our right to free speech. If we don't it is a bad thing."

Debra Davis, spokeswoman for South Gloucestershire Council, said: "Advertising is not allowed on highway verges unless it is for charitable purposes. These signs were believed to be on public land and were therefore removed following a complaint.

"We did try to contact the party's agent prior to removal, but without success. The signs will be returned and we will advise on a more suitable site for them to be placed."