BUSINESSES in Andover are celebrating victory after Hampshire County Council announced plans for an A-Board licensing scheme.

The county council made the dramatic u-turn today, announcing it would implement a year long pilot scheme in Andover to allow licensed on-street advertising in the town.

According to a statement by the Council, businesses will be allowed to place advertising on the highways subject to conditions about size, dimensions and suitability of location.

Each license will cost £50 - which will cover the cost of organising the scheme.

The news comes following their decision to remove A-Boards from the High Street last week which resulted in protests by many of the town's independent traders.

In a statement Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “First of all, I’d like to say that I am grateful to the majority of the business owners who removed their A-boards following the complaints.

“The idea behind our new licensing scheme in Andover is that controlled regulation will better suit both the businesses and residents by being clear about sizes, dimensions and suitability of locations.

"We will continue to support the local economy while ensuring that the footways and pedestrianised areas remain safe for all who use them, including those with visual or mobility issues.”

The news has been met with jubilation from business owners in the town who have been fighting for a resolution since they were told to remove their boards by the county council in December.

Larna Burley from Burleys Bridal has been one of those at the heart of the struggle and she was delighted with the news.

She said: "That is absolutely fantastic news.

"Retailers in the town will be relieved and we can now look forward to years of prosperous trading in our town.

"It just goes to show when you all work together as a town you can the best result for everyone."