A SOLUTION to the long-running row over the flying of banners between Tavistock Town Hall and historic Court Gate could be in the pipeline.

Advertising banners have been strung up between the two buildings for decades, but have fallen foul of the local planning authority, which believes they are deterimental to the Listed buildings to which they are attached.

The town council, which erects the banners, has been under threat of enforcement action by West Devon Borough Council — but now, following extensive meetings and negotiations, an end to the dispute could be near.

Town clerk Roger Howard said: 'We are going to erect a sort of permanent banner-holding device, that will not actually be attached to either the town hall or Court Gate, but will span the distance between the two, and the banners will be fixed to this structure.'

Col Howard said the device had not actually been designed yet, but West Devon's conservation officer had indicated he would be happy with the solution.

Cllr Mandy Govier said during last month's properties committee meeting: 'If we come to a mutually agreeable situation, will we have this in writing? Surely it would be sensible to have a written agreement that both parties sign, to sort this out for once and all.'

Town mayor Cllr David Whitcomb said he was glad to see that 'common sense' had prevailed over the long-running issue.

Cllr Ted Sherrell said: 'I think it's crucial that the principle of the banners be maintained. There's absolutely no reason why they should not be used — we need to ensure we don't have any of this nonsense in the future.'

Terms and conditions of use will be drawn up, and an appropropriate design, and following this, the town council will apply for the appropriate planning consent.