Will is no idol in Lambeth

Though Will Young may be popular among Britain's music-buying public today, he's not flavour of the month among officials in Lambeth.

They are furious that hundreds of fly-posters publicising the Pop Idol winner's debut single Anything is Possible/ Evergreen have been illegally plastered around the south London borough.

Lambeth leader Tom Franklin has ordered council workers to remove all the illegal ads - and will send the bill to the record company, BMG Records.

Mr Franklin said: "I am a big supporter of Will - in fact, I voted for him. But I would hope he would be just as angry as me about what has been happening.

"Posters of Will are being strewn all over our streets, wherever there is a place available. If his company wants to publicise him they should pay for it, just like everyone else."

Mr Franklin added: "I am disappointed that reputable, high-profile companies should be part of this unlawful practice. I hope Will doesn't condone the trashing of south London. Walking down a street full of fly-posters makes us feel bad about where we live or work. It messes up the streets and affects the quality of life.

"Companies like this should not be making a profit from this unlawful advertising and then expect the taxpayer to pick up the bill for cleaning it away."

Mr Franklin admitted: "We would be delighted for Will to visit to publicise his record. We just don't want these posters everywhere."

A BMG spokesman said: "Will is one of many artists whose images have been flypostered. BMG were contacted by the council and asked to remove the posters, which they did immediately, at their cost."