Winchester Conservatives have reversed the decision to ban hanging baskets in the city.

The Tories, who took power last week in the city council elections, said the previous Liberal Democrat decision would have harmed the tourism and economy of Winchester.

Leader of the council George Beckett said: "This was one mistake by the Liberal Democrat Cabinet that we will be able to put right very quickly."

David Selby, chairman of Winchester in Bloom, welcomed the news: "We're delighted and congratulate the council on its decision. It's not too late."

The city council had dropped the popular annual display because it argued it would take too much water at a time of threatened water shortages.

The decision to drop the hanging baskets was widely criticised, including by local businesses and pubs.

Mr Beckett said: "I have asked the officers of the council to work with Winchester in Bloom to immediately put in hand as much of the usual floral decoration in the town that can be arranged at this late stage."

He added: "Bearing in mind the seasonal nature of this work, the unfortunate delay may well affect the range of plants and baskets available, but at least it will be something to help show off our wonderful city.

"Although floral displays in Winchester were not a specific part of our election manifesto, the ongoing concern and support for the economy of Winchester most certainly is," he added.

The Tories stress that Mr Beckett, who runs a nursery business in Compton, has no financial dealings or relationship with Choice Plants, the Romsey firm who supply the hanging baskets for Winchester.