Newham Council takes down banners of Sir Robin Wales following a series of complaints

The banners of Sir Robin Wales which sprung up suddenly last week have now been taken down.

The banners of Sir Robin Wales which sprung up suddenly last week have now been taken down.

Following numerous complaints, the banners were removed after less than a week on Newham’s streets.

On Friday, banners bearing the mayor’s face and slogans on council tax and community engagement appeared at Plaistow station, Canning Town station, Central Park and the junction of Clegg Street and Plaistow High Street.

A Newham Council spokeswoman said: “A number of banners were put up last week as part of the Newham Does More campaign, which has been running since 2016 to show residents that Newham Council continues to provide the services that local people say are important to them.

“At that time officers did not fully appreciate the timetable of the internal Labour Party nomination process as it had only recently been announced.

“Whilst the Labour Party nomination process is not strictly relevant to the publicity issued by the council, the council is approaching a period of heightened sensitivity for publicity as we approach the local election.

“As with all other councils, Newham is reviewing all publicity as it approaches the election and the “purdah” period from the notice of election on 27 March.”