Concerns have been raised that signs driven into the ground near a protected giant redwood tree in an historic town centre will damage its roots.

Tony Dale was shocked to discover a sign and a post had been hammered into the ground near the tree in Station Road, Totnes and that a chain fence had been placed around it.

The redwood is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and sited on land owned by developers Church Retirement Living - which has submitted plans to turn the former nearby Budgens store into 42 sheltered housing units, complete with a car park and two retail units.

Tony complained to South Hams Council and Churchill’s has now agreed to remove the signs and the fence, although it says it did not install them.

Tony said: "The tree has a TPO which includes the ground around it - the roots - being protected.

"A TPO is also there to preserve the view.

"A sign has been put up in front of it, a chain placed around it, posts have been driven into its root system, and there is a no parking sign hammered in two feet from the trunk.  

"I don’t know what our tree wardens are for or what the point of a Tree Protection Order is if it takes my intervention every time.  

"This breach should not have been able to happen.  

"The Totnes Giant Redwood is protected by TPO 1009, or so they say.  

"I feel slightly sickened, but relieved that I have been able to get South Hams Council to finally enforce the TPO. "

Cllr Judy Pearce, the district council’s executive member for built environment, said: "We have spoken to Churchill Retired Living upon being made aware of the presence of the signs and fence posts.

"While Churchill did not install the no parking sign nor the chain fence, they have agreed to remove all signage and fence from the plot of land, under the supervision of a tree consultant so as to minimise any potential further damage to the tree roots.

"We are hoping that the work will be carried out within the next week.

"We are aware of how highly valued this tree is by residents of Totnes.

"The Tree Protection Order in place shows our commitment to the long term health of this tree, and I am hopeful that this work can be carried out as soon as possible."