THE county council has confirmed it has not authorised the United Kingdom Independence Party's election posters on St Albans lampposts and it will remove them.

Posters for UKIP candidate John Stocker have appeared on posts across west St Albans, Park Street, and London Colney.

Jo Brown, spokeswoman for Hertfordshire County Council, which owns the posts, said: "We don't give permission for poster advertising on any of our street furniture whether the posters are political or not.

"This is classed as illegal advertising and the posters will be removed.

"Anyone who sees fly posting on lamp posts can report it to us on 0300 123 4047."

Mr Stocker said: "The Electoral Commission guidance for candidates states 'We strongly recommend that  you consult the appropriate council office for guidance - the elections  office will be able to advise who this officer is'."

"I consulted with the election office over ten days ago stating we were  intending advertising on lamp posts and were advised that advice was  being requested from Herts County Council.

"No advice has been received  and we are 14 days away from an election.

"If you look at the lamp posts around St Albans they are festooned with  adverts for building developments, industrial sites, weddings and  planning permissions all of which stay there for months if not years. 

"UKIP signs will be taken down on May 8 without fail."