MORE than a dozen illegal roadside billboards have been removed as part of a clampdown.

The advertisements had all been placed on land between junctions five and six of the M61, from Hunger Hill to Middlebrook, in Bolton.

They were removed during the last 18 months after Bolton Council received complaints that they were distracting drivers and were a blot on the landscape.

A council spokesman said those responsible for two remaining trailers - one with a Bolton Wanderers advert - would be asked to remove them before legal action was taken.

He said: "Two trailers containing advertisements remain visible from the M61 near Lostock Lane bridge. They are unauthorised and should be removed.

"There have been difficulties in establishing ownership of the land, but we are now in a position to take issue with those having responsibility for siting these trailers.

"We will ask that they be removed. If this is not successful, formal proceedings will be initiated.

"Over the last 18 months more than a dozen other advertisements have gone voluntarily or under threat of prosecution."

Council leader Cllr Barbara Ronson said: "Some people think the clampdown is unfair, but we are legally required to take action."

North-west Euro MP Chris Davies has called on more local authorities to take action.

Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, a landowner or advertiser can be prosecuted if permission to erect an advertising hoarding has not been granted by the local authority.

A new national database will be launched later this year containing information on companies who advertise on trailers beside motorways. It is hoped the move will help local planning authorities to carry out prosecutions.