SUPPORTERS will get the chance to have their say on whether the vuvuzela is welcome at St James's Park next season.

The droning decibels of the horn-like instrument were often the main talking point of this summer's World Cup in South Africa — and several English clubs have already taken action to formally ban it from their grounds.

Torquay United yesterday revealed it had banned the instrument from Plainmoor.

Exeter City's board said they have no policy or ban in place at present — but sporting director Julian Tagg said if the noise becomes a headache to supporters and complaints are received they will re-examine the issue.

Thousands of fans who made the trip to South Africa returned with a vuvuzela as a souvenir while versions of it have been available in shops in England during and after the tournament. Mr Tagg said: "We don't have a specific policy on the vuvuzela but as a fans-owned club I am sure fans will soon let us know if it becomes a problem. If it does they are the ones who have the biggest say and voice in that kind of area.

"There is no-one here on the board that is in favour of the vuvuzela, and I am certainly not, but we don't think it is going to be a major issue.

"The supporters will no doubt let us know their thoughts and wishes very clear though and we will respond to that."

Thousands of complaints were received about the noise coming through the television sets during live World Cup matches but Fifa president Sepp Blatter resisted calls for it to be banned during the tournament.

Mr Tagg said: "Everyone I have spoken to is not in favour and it is a hot topic of discussion at the moment.

"But, like I said, we don't have any policy at the moment other than to listen to the feedback from supporters."

Meanwhile, down the road at Sandy Park, the home of the Exeter Chiefs, fans were left in no doubt of the rugby club's policy on the vuvuzela.

As previously revealed in the Echo, Chiefs boss Tony Rowe has warned ticket holders not to bring the noise-making trumpets to matches.

The Chiefs are thought to be the only Premiership side so far to have announced a vuvuzela ban.

Mr Rowe, the Chiefs' chief executive, said: "I would tell people where to place them if they did bring them in."