A HOT tub and spa firm has been fined after putting up an advertising hoarding without planning permission.

The Tubs Direct sign was displayed on the side of the former Dog and Partridge pub in Manor Street in Bolton town centre despite there being no legal consent.

It led to Bolton Council prosecuting the company, which promotes itself as ‘the North West’s largest hot tubs and spa superstore’ and ‘a one-stop shop for all things hot tub’.

Owner and sole director Ronald Prentice appeared on its behalf at Bolton Magistrates’ Court yesterday having pleaded guilty to one offence of displaying an advertisement contrary to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Prosecutor Nicola Raby told the hearing: “On August 4 last year the council received a complaint about an advertisement. Consent hadn’t been sought for the advertisement.”

On August 10 a council enforcement officer attended the site and found the sign had been removed but within two days it had reappeared.

The hoarding was taken down again on August 15 although a later visit confirmed it was back up by September.

Mr Prentice, who became sole director in September last year and formally acquired the firm for £50,000 the following month, told the court: “The adverts were up before I took over the company. It was nothing to do with me personally.

“When I took over the company I was informed the sign was up illegally.

“I was told the sign must come down and I did instruct the sign company to remove the sign. I have never had the intention of putting up signs illegally.”

Tubs Direct, based in Eton Hill Road, Radcliffe, applied for planning permission but the council ruled the application invalid due to a lack of proper plans and the incorrect fees being paid.

Mr Prentice, who used to work in sales for the company before returning to become its owner, said the venture made a £35,000 loss in 2016 and had not had any business since the beginning of December. Mr Prentice, aged 52, said: “If we were a car we would be running on fumes.”

The company was fined £500 and ordered to pay a £50 victim surcharge and a £435 costs.

A council spokesman said afterwards: “We received a complaint from a member of the public in August, and we advised the business of the relevant action they needed to take.

“We took enforcement action after the business failed to remove the hoarding or to seek consent for it.

“We are pleased with the outcome of this case and the company has also now removed the hoarding.”