Loc8Me house sign reported to council for obscenity

A letting board outside a student house has been reported to Charnwood Borough council because it is “obscene” advertising. 

Ted Parton, a member of the council who represents the Southfield ward, said the sign on Broad Street – which says “I want you inside me” – is “obscene”. He also said the children in the area should not be forced to view it.

Raffaele Russo, who runs the student letting agency responsible for the sign, came up with a number of daring board designs last year in the hope to attract students to his homes.

Parton told the Loughborough Echo: “The sexual innuendo that this sign conveys maybe seen by the letting agents as funny and a clever way of enticing students to rent such a property, however bearing in mind that this advert is prominently displayed in full view of children and young people under the age of 16, it should be taken down immediately.

“The main focus of my work in the community has always revolved around the appearance and condition of houses in multiple occupation. At a time when progress is now starting to be made to improve and control this issue, comes a saddening reminder of seemingly how little respect some of our student landlords have for the rest of the community.”

Russo, in response to Parton also spoke to the Loughborough Echo and said: “I am sorry that he feels that way. If he nips into the office I will take it down.

“We know it is borderline. We know that not everyone will be entertained by it, but that’s what marketing is. Everyone complains about ‘to let’ boards. They are seen as negative.

“We thought if they were funnier they would be more noticeable and it’s got people looking. If one has caused a bit of jaw response we will take it down.”