A CHARITY was left furious and frustrated this week, when £90 of advertising banners mysteriously disappeared in Haslemere.

The Charities Fair in Haslemere Hall, organised by premature baby charity, Bliss, relies on local advertising to promote the annual fundraising event.

The fair had received a huge boost recently when Stricklands Dentists, of Kings Road, Haslemere, donated £90 to pay for two new banners to advertise the event.

However, having put the banners up in Tesco and Somerfield car parks on Sunday afternoon, fair organiser Dianne Bennett was horrified when they were both cut down by 7am on Monday.

Six laminated posters were also removed by Monday morning.

This years fair, tomorrow (Saturday) morning, will include and six craft stalls, a grand draw, raffles, a 'kiddies corner' and refreshments. Twenty charities will also be represented.

The event will be the last organised by Bliss, who have run the fair for the last 25 years.

Mrs Bennett said: "Three years ago one of our old banners was taken from outside Haslemere Hall, and last year a banner disappeared on the day of the fair.

"We knew it was a risk buying more, but if the fair is to be a success for all the charities, good publicity is vital.

"We're very grateful to all the traders who display our posters, but many don't wish or are not allowed to put them in their windows.

"Colourful banners seemed an ideal way of attracting attention for the event. I have hunted everywhere but they have vanished without trace."

She continued: "It's so disappointing for the charities who are counting on a good turn out on Saturday.

Both Tesco and Somerfield management have denied any involvement with the disappearances, and confirm the banners whereabouts remain a mystery.

Mike O'Neill, Haslemere town clerk, said: "The town council have not removed any of these banners, but I know of a few local 'vigilantes' who have taken it upon themselves to remove illegal advertising in the past.

"They believe road-side banners ruin the 'vistas' of Haslemere and often take it upon themselves to remove them."

A spokesman for Surrey County Council (SCC) added: "Surrey County Council does not allow any banners on public highways as they are hazardous

to motorists, and they may be removed by passing community highway officers. Road-side advertising can cause unwelcome distractions, as well as spoiling the street scene.

"SCC does encourage local charities and societies to advertise in our libraries."

However, the SCC spokesman confirmed that they had not removed the banners, and urged Mrs Bennett to contact their local highways office.