A SPEEDY U-turn over a ban on advertising banners in Bedford Square was made by Tavistock Town Council this week after an angry response from groups planning events in the town.

Organisations including Tavistock Group of Artists, Tavistock Gardening Club and the Robey Trust had complained about last month's banner ban decision, which they said would seriously affect events they planned to stage.

And at this week's properties committee meeting Cllr Ted Sherrell admitted a rethink was required.

He said: 'There are certain aspects I didn't consider at the time. Very important are the large number of organisations that book the town hall in the assumption they would be able to put up a banner. To change it without prior consultation wouldn't be playing the game.'

'Mea culpa,' said Cllr Norma Woodcock — she had voted for a ban because she thought a 'canvas banner' looked 'dreary' against town centre listed buildings but now favoured lifting the restriction.

She said: 'What I really want is more — you only have to go to Safeway to see how effective banners can be. I would also like to see some bunting.'

She suggested the council, in consultation with local organisations, should look into better publicity and consequential enhancement of the town.

The mayor, Cllr Judith Williams, said: 'I suggest perhaps we leave everything as it stands at the moment but investigate other forms of advertising.

'I understand the problem with events for this year — perhaps we could have a six-month moratorium and see if there is a better way of advertising events in the town hall.'

Cllr Jenny Metcalfe was strongly in favour of banners.

'I feel it's our traditional means of displaying what's happening. It's very nice to have a simple, visual banner,' she said.

The council voted to rescind last month's decision — it will discuss other means of publicising town centre events at its meeting in June.

Members also manoeuvred a rethink regarding the use of Bedford Square for a car show during carnival week.

There was criticism of the event by some members of the public last year — then, Cllr Woodcock felt it was a 'perverse' and 'totally inappropriate' use of the Square and Cllr Williams had been bombarded with so many complaints her telephone had 'burned blisters' in her ears.

A request by Honda in February to hold a town centre motor show was also turned down by the council.

Now, following a letter from Lions president Roger Collins explaining £600 sponsorship for charity would be lost if the carnival car show could not take place, councillors have given the event the thumbs-up.

Cllr Peter Donkin said: 'This proposal is embedded in a charitable event which occurs once a year — I personally have no objection to it at all, I think we should support them.'

Cllr Metcalfe said allowing the show would not set a precedent as it was part of a well established charity event, which should be supported.

Cllr Woodcock said the 'substantial' donation to the Lions should be clearly 'flagged up'.

And Cllr Williams requested the flat areas of the square be kept clear for wheelchair users.

Decisions regarding the car show and banners are due to be ratified at next week's full council meeting.