A VICTORY for farmers' markets in west Oxfordshire could point the way to changes across the country.

District councillors have approved three separate planning applications from the Thames Valley Farmers' Market Co-operative to put up signs in the days before markets take place.

On Monday, despite strong protests from Witney Town Council about setting a precedent for possible fly-posting, the co-operative was given consent to put up signs around the town, after already winning consent for signs in Chipping Norton and Charlbury.

Co-operative manager Pete Williams said: "We have now set a template for other councils and counties across the country. We were told that if we put up the signs we would be prosecuted, so we have done it by the book and got planning permission.

"Councils in rural areas support farmers' markets, and it was just a case of common sense to allow us to advertise them, so that people know when and where they are and use them."

On Monday, Mr Williams met organisers of markets in the south of the county. Plans are being drawn up for similar applications to the Vale of White Horse District Council.

FARMA, the national Farmers' Retail and Markets Association, has been following the progress of the west Oxfordshire applications and is preparing to give advice to its members.

In Witney, the district council has approved the placing of 15 signs on the posts of roadside street signs two days before the markets are held. They must be removed immediately afterwards.

Earlier this month, consent was given for signs at Charlbury and Chipping Norton, against the recommendation of planning officers. The co-operative has spent about £1,000 on planning applications and has just one more - for Woodstock - to be decided.