MIDSOMER Murders filming locations throughout Thame will not be marked by commemorative plaques.

Thame Town Council wanted to erect six signs on historic buildings around the town to mark their use as filming locations in the long-running ITV drama series.

The six plaques were originally refused permission in April last year, and have now been refused permission again after an appeal to the government's planning inspectorate.

But the town council and its agent Helen Johns have said they will continue to promote Thame's connections to the fictional Midsomer County.

A statement released by the town council said: "The dismissal of the appeal does not mark the end of the road, however, as alternative ways to continue promoting Midsomer and the filming locations in the town are being investigated by Helen Johns, the Town Council and 21st Century Thame."

The six listed buildings which would have featured the plaques are Thame Museum, the Spread Eagle Hotel, the Swan Hotel, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie, Market House and Thame Town Hall.

In his reasons for refusal, planning inspector Tim Wood said: "I have no reason to doubt that the television series is popular and generates tourism for the area."

But he added: "The plaques would not relate to an important or well-known historic figure or event but to an appearance as a location... within a relatively recent fictional television drama."

Thame Town Council promotes a Midsomer Murders trail throughout the town, which tours local filming locations.

The Spread Eagle Hotel in Cornmarket Street and the Swan Hotel in Upper High Street are both Grade II* listed.

Thame Town Hall and Thame Museum, both in High Street, Market House in North Street and Rumsey’s Chocolaterie in Upper High Street are all Grade II listed.

ITV has screened Midsomer Murders since 1997.

John Nettles retired from the programme and his role as DC Tom Barnaby in 2011.

Neil Dudgeon replaced Mr Nettles in the leading role and now plays DCI John Barnaby in the show.

Several Oxfordshire spots have been used for the show, including Wallingford.