Coronation Street in poster row

The storyline involves the trial of nightclub owner Jez Quigley

ITV soap Coronation Street has been criticised for a fly-poster campaign publicising an on-screen murder storyline.

Posters promoting the drama were attacked by Manchester City Council because fly-posting is illegal.

The posters, which have been posted around the UK, are in the form of mock newspaper placards referring to a murder storyline on the soap.

"No consent has been granted for this material and we will be pursuing legal action where they are posting on the city council's property," a spokeswoman for the council said.

The council has an ongoing Bright and Clean Campaign to tidy up the city, and has put up signs to warn fly-posters away.

'Will Jez Get Life?'

Headed Weatherfield Gazette - the fictional Manchester district in which Coronation Street is set - the bills pose the questions: Will Steve Testify?, Will Natalie get Justice? and Will Jez Get Life?

Mock newspaper placards have been fly posted around the UK

In an episode of the soap due to be screened next week Jez Quigley, played by Lee Boardman, goes on trial for the murder of Natalie Barnes' (Denise Welch) son, Tony Horricks, played by Lee Warburton.

Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) is called to give evidence despite his fear of reprisals from Jez, hence "Will Steve Testify?"

ITV responsible

Granada Television, which makes Coronation Street for ITV, denied any involvement in the campaign, saying ITV's central promotions unit in London was responsible for it.

A spokesman for the ITV Network Centre said they had not received any formal complaint about the posters.

"They are currently being removed in order to avoid causing any inconvenience. We trust that this is the end of the matter," he said.