Edinburgh's flyposters have claimed that crackdowns on their activities threaten the future of Edinburgh's music scene.

The flyposters, who can face fines of up to £1000, have launched a campaign to make authorities recognise the importance of what they believe is an integral aspect of the city's cultural life.

Local flyposter Cameron Ford told reporters: “We're getting a little sick and tired of being criminalised by the police and the council. People see flyposters as a source of information and part of the fabric of the city.

“It enhances the cultural life of the city. I think the council is trying to kill music in the city – it just shows how out of touch they are. The people behind these club nights are the people who make Edinburgh tick. This is the young entrepreneurial spirit the council keeps bleating on about but they're doing everything they can to hamper it.”

In support of his accusation levelled against the council, Mr Ford explained: “More people go to clubs in Edinburgh than voted for any of those on the city council. I don't think the council and the police realise the harm they are doing to the music scene.”

The movement hopes to circulate a petition in support flyposting and aims to secure guaranteed flyering sites across the city where they can put up advertisements without fear of prosecution.

Such fears were realised earlier this month when the owner of a cafe on Lothian Road complained after her premises were hit by flyposters. Jeni Ayris said she felt she had been "kicked while she was down" when the front of the property was covered with posters promoting a club night in the city.

Local trader Dougie Bell, owner of the nearby Lupe Pintos Mexican Deli and vice chairman of Tollcross Traders' Association, said: "Somebody's got to scrape all those posters off when they're put across the whole of a window and sometimes that requires new glazing being put in.

“Sometimes it can be a complete and utter menace.”

Edinburgh City Council spends at least £250,000 each year tackling flyposters and graffiti.

The city's community safety leader, Councillor Paul Edie, said: “Prolific fly posting contributes to the poor look and feel of an area and can have an detrimental impact on people's quality of life, as well as contributing to their fear of crime.

“Businesses and residents expect the council to take action against flyposting.”