ESTATE agents have been accused of flouting the rules by hoisting up "to let" signs in defiance of a voluntary ban scheme.

Neighbours living in the university area of Reading were angered to spotted letting boards reappearing in recent weeks despite the council-backed restrictions.

Back in June councillors agreed to implement the ban following a successful trial period in the busy residential streets to the north of the university's Whiteknights campus.

The move came on the back of concerns that vacant homes and student housing were put at risk of being advertised to burglars.

Peter Kayes, chairman of the Redlands and university area Neighbourhood Action Group, said: "I think it is absolutely disgraceful they are being extremely irresponsible and damaging the reputation of the area.

"Students end up becoming victims of burglary because the signs just become an advert for where they live and where is full of laptops and iPhones."

Mr Kayes went on the say that neighbours had praised the ban when first brought into effect for reducing break-ins and tidying up the appearance of streets.

A crunch meeting between Reading Borough Council and those who trade property in the town is now set to give estate agents one more chance before the authority pursues legal action.

Councillor Tony Jones, representing Redlands ward, said: "It is just a shame because it costs the council and council tax payers' money all for the sake of a few greedy estate agents.

"All the feedback from local residents - whether they be house holders themselves or just renting - they all thought it was so much better without the signs.

"It is hard when these all shoot up like this because once one or two do not comply then all the others might just think the dam has burst and that is that."

Cllr Jones said he and colleagues had already met to discuss their options and that the authority would bring representatives from firms into the council's offices to discuss the issue.

If the ban fails to succeed on a voluntary basis it is proposed the restrictions could be enforced more strictly.

Ben Cooper, community and development officer for Reading University Students’ Union said: “The constant display of lettings boards is an eye-sore for students and other residents.

"But it’s also an invitation to burglars; making students and the community less safe.

"Reading University Students’ Union will continue to work with the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG), Reading Borough Council and local letting agents in Reading to make the voluntary ban work for all concerned.”