A voluntary ban on lettings boards in a university town has proved so successful that the trial could be made permanent, and extended to other areas.

The trial ran for six months until this March in part of Reading, where up to 180 boards had previously been found on display at any one time.

During the trial, the council found just 21 boards, most of which were taken down as soon as the agents were contacted.

Cllr Tony Page said: “I know the temporary ban has made a real difference to residents and I’d like to thank all the agents who co-operated and complied with the voluntary agreement.”

A proposal to ban boards permanently will be discussed by the council next month. If successful, agents would be invited to sign agreements.

The ban would not extend to For Sale and Sold boards.