An Oxford councillor has questioned safety procedures allowing advertising banners to be strung across crowded city centre streets after Christmas lights fell and badly injured a passer-by 18 months ago.

Tony Brett, re-elected as vice-chairman of the city council's central, south and west area committee, spoke out after colleagues gave the go-ahead for banners to be installed in the city.

Mr Brett, the Liberal Democrat member for Holywell, insisted stricter safety procedures should be followed.

After being outvoted, he said: "I like the idea, but we need professionals to make sure we understand the potential problems."

Mr Brett voiced his concern as fellow councillors gave permission for the city's leisure and culture department to display temporary advertising banners across Cornmarket Street and Magdalen Street.

A third site, across St Michael's Street, is also being considered, with two others.

Council officer Michael Crofton-Briggs said the move was part of a council strategy to address all advertising.

The strategy has particular relevance as Oxford bids to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Mr Crofton-Briggs told members: "While I think planning officers in the past would have recommended refusal, we are recommending a temporary permission."

David Steel, of the city's leisure and tourist department, said the banners would increase Oxford's profile.

He said the idea had been supported in a recent consultation with city centre workers, residents and businesses.

But Mr Brett remained unconvinced.

"I think we've been taken over by the City of Culture bid. There's been too much pressure to get these banners up," he said.