A monthly antiques fair has closed after more than three decades, with the organisers blaming a clampdown on flyposting.

The fair in Abingdon has 45 different stalls and several hundred people visit it each month. It was next due to take place today at Fitzharrys School, Northcourt Road, but was cancelled. If it closes permanently, it could cost the school £6,000 in lost revenue.

Organiser Andy Briggs said: "A lot of the dealers have said if there is no signage the fair won't work, and as a result we have had to close."

Fitzharrys School headteacher Susan Tranter said the antiques fair income represented nearly half the money the school earned from community events. Mr Briggs said he had investigated getting planning permission, but had been told it would take a minimum of eight weeks. Vale of White Horse District Council spokesman Gavin Walton said: "The Vale has for some time been pursuing a policy of clearing unlawful advertising clutter.

"The Vale has not in any way requested that the fair be closed but has simply advised those running the event that they need to apply for permission to place adverts."