A locksmith company that illegally advertised their business in Kensal Rise has been told to stick it following the intervention of a councillor.

Cllr Matt Kelcher, Labour councillor for Kensal Green, took matters into his own hands after residents in All Souls Avenue complained that Cricklewood Locksmith was sticking their advertising on to their front doors leaving a permanent residue.

He called officers from Brent Trading Standards who initially dismissed his concerns before recognising the practice is illegal.

They issued a warning to the company who claim it did not know it was doing wrong and has now agreed to stop the practice.

Cllr Kelcher said: “A lot of people were complaining it.

“Small businesses have the right to advertise their products but must always do so with respect for the community. I felt that advertising campaign crossed the line by making local people’s front doors part of the advert without their permission.

“Those that have peeled off the sticker have also been left with a mess to clear up.”

Sam Edaan, who works as a 24 hour specialist for the family business, said: “I didn’t want to make people cross. We usually stick them on intercoms but I thought I’d try out front doors.

“We are successful in other areas but you won’t be seeing those stickers again as we will not be operating in Brent anymore.”