Published: Wednesday, 23rd July, 2008 12:00pm

Licence figures make for painful viewing in Slough

by Mike Greenshields

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MORE than 1,000 people in Slough were caught watching TV without a licence during the first six months of 2008, making it third in the South East.

The town places below Milton Keynes and Southampton in the region.

TV Licensing spokesperson Joanna Pearce said: "No town wants to appear in TV Licensing's league of shame.

"Buying a TV licence is simple and can be done in minutes online. So there's no excuse for licence-dodgers in Slough letting the side down.

"TV Licensing's powerful database shows precisely which properties are unlicensed, meaning enquiry officers can target addresses where they suspect people are watching TV illegally.

"But we would much rather people buy a licence than risk prosecution and a fine, which is why we offer a convenient range of ways to pay."

Anyone caught watching TV without a licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

For more information about how to spread the cost of your licence, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info

The top five for the South East league of shame is as follows: 1. Milton Keynes - 1147; 2. Southampton - 1102; 3. Slough - 1033; 4. Luton - 737; 5. Basildon - 624.