Camden Council has taken out Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbo) against a number of people at Sony and BMG in an attempt to stop music companies illegally flyposting in the London borough. The named individuals, presumably marketing bods, are deemed responsible for organising the flyposting.

Asbos are more usually placed on unruly teenagers and obstreperous tin-rattlers rather than company executives. Camden recently took out an Asbo against one Mathew Lock accused of fighting and begging aggressively. He is not allowed into certain areas of Camden and Islington. Breaking the terms of the Asbo can result in jail.

Camden council estimates that Sony and BMG save more than £8m a year by putting up illegal posters instead of buying legitimate advertising space. The council spends £250,000 a year clearing up the mess.

With the Asbos in place, the named individuals face up to five years behind bars if they don't start toeing the line. Illegal posters get stuck on everything from lamposts to shop hoardings and local residents and businesses have made over one thousand complaints to the council.

Camden council will return to court 14 June to seek permanent orders. ®

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