THE morale of a businesswoman in dispute with Devon County Council has been lifted after her restaurant featured in a national list of recommended places to visit. Fancy That tea rooms, in East Budleigh, was recently named in a national newspaper s to

THE morale of a businesswoman in dispute with Devon County Council has been lifted after her restaurant featured in a national list of recommended places to visit.

Fancy That tea rooms, in East Budleigh, was recently named in a national newspaper's tourism supplement as being a 'fantastic little' eatery.

A delighted owner Janice Voce was unaware of its inclusion at first and was told by a customer.

The 46-year-old said the news was a surprise and welcomed publicity after Devon County Council warned her to remove small advertising boards outside her restaurant last July.

"A customer phoned me and said I was in the paper again. Because of all the publicity sign business, I thought 'oh no, what for now' at first.

"When they told me what it was for, I was really pleased. People have been coming in since from as far afield as London and Birmingham.

"It's nice to be recognised for the hard work which we put in here and know that people are pleased with the service offered."

Janice received a letter from Devon County Council three months ago calling for the removal of signs positioned on roads near her restaurant.

She had been placing an advertisement board on a grass verge on the B3178 and one outside her front door.

The local authority claimed the unauthorised use of the signs were in breach of the Highways Act 1980.

Janice, who has set up a petition in an attempt to overturn the ruling, said: "The boards are of standard size and not causing an obstruction to people and fail to be a hazard to drivers.

"I asked the council if I would be allowed to put the signs out prior to taking on the business in June last year and they agreed.

"They said as long as they weren't too overdone, bright and distracting, it would be fine."

A spokesperson for Devon County Council said: "The national Highways Act says that no unauthorised items, such as advertising boards should be displayed on the pavement or highway.