WEST Devon Borough Council this week denied it had anything to do with the erection of a large banner, situated at one of the main entrance roads into Tavistock.

The banner, which says 'Merry Christmas, WDBC planning department' and includes the council's logo, appeared by the toll house on Launceston Road just before Christmas.

Several people have contacted the Times regarding the banner, which they said was a waste of public money in times of financial constraint.

A spokesman for the council this week told the Times that they too, had been contacted by several people regarding the banner.

The spokesman said: 'The banner at the round house was not put up by West Devon Borough Council.

'We assume it has been put there by the owner or occupier of the property.'