A so-called totem pole in Blandford sparked debate at the town council.

Councillors considered a retrospective application for permission for a signpost in the car park of the Co-operative store in Salisbury Road.

Cllr Hilary Lawson said the sign’s current position made parking difficult, adding that the boundary wall had been knocked down twice in the last week.

But Cllr Mike Owen said damage to the wall and the position of the sign were two different issues, and Cllr Sylvia Hixson-Andrews added that she had no difficulty parking a motability van in the store’s car park.

Councillors voted to recommend permission for the sign to district colleagues by a margin of nine to four.

Planners at North Dorset District Council will make the final ruling.