THE policy regarding the flying of advertising banners in Tavistock's Bedford Square is to be updated, following a meeting of the town council's properties committee last week.

Works superintendent Wayne Southall told councillors that the new fixings for the banners flown between Court Gate and the town hall were finally in use.

Town mayor Cllr Anne Johnson asked what the policy was regarding the type of banner flown in the square.

'They don't always relate to events which are happening in the square or town hall,' she said.

Town clerk Carl Hearn said provided the banners were not abusive or offensive and had some relationship to events being staged in the town they could be flown, but a formal policy regarding content did not exist.

Cllr Brian Trew said the mayor had 'a very valid point'.

'I think we need clear guidelines, so that we can't be accused of refusing someone permission to use a banner we think is offensive, when actually in law, it might not be,' he said.

Mr Southall agreed to draft a new policy which will be presented to the full council shortly.