OLDHAM’S environment team are investigating after reports of a growing number of posters and signs appearing at key Saddleworth junctions.

Residents started a storm on social media after concerns the clusters of eye catching posters and billboards, including charity events, could raise safety issues for motorists and pedestrians.

The council’s inquiries are focused on sites at the three-way junction at Delph New Road near railway viaduct at Dobcross.

Another hot spot is the main A62 Oldham-Huddersfield Road junction with The Sound leading to Delph where more than a dozen signs, some several feet long, have been vying for attention.

One worried local resident said: “It has become a mess. The posters are extending along the roadside.

“I don't want to be a killjoy but is looks awful, and I am sure it is a distraction to motorists.

“Display boards had to be of a specific size.Now it just seems to be a free for all.”

Another on social media said: “ The posters wouldn't be right in your own garden — so why think it's okay on public spaces? They're not even informative just a distraction for drivers.”

But a local trader responded saying:“Banners are a vital advertising tool for local events.

“They can start to look a mess when the events are over but it is becoming more and more difficult to find low cost advertising that works and support businesses.”

One argued the locations have been taken over by larger companies and organisations to the detriment of the environment.

“The council has always given permission for local, not for profit, charitable organisations to publicise events at certain locations in a responsible manner,” they said.

“This type of advertising helps keep our prices down, taking it away would mean we have to find alternatives which would in turn would add to the cost to the businesses we are trying to support.”

And a small group of posters appear at lay-by near the Royal George, Greenfield.

But underpinning the case for posters promoting local charities, one said: “Worthy causes, charities and small businesses who are promoting events rely very much on the signs at the Brownhills roundabout and the Delph junction.

“I admit that I think the size of some are now well over what they should be. There should be a limit on the size and perhaps the length of time before an event.

Also badly secured posters should be removed, which would help to make those erecting them more careful about how they do it. They don't need to be an eyesore if they are done right.

“To remove them altogether will certainly have an impact on fundraisers and local events.”

A spokesperson for Oldham Council working with the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership said: “Our Environmental team are taking a look into the whole situation surrounding posters at these sites and there will be further discussions when they report back .”