THE enhancement work to Queen Street will not include properly planted trees, it can be confirmed.

Following the ‘discovery of underground utilities that are not listed on any historic plans’, Devon County Council (DCC) are working to develop above ground tree options.

A spokesman for DCC said: ‘Trees and flora remain part of the enhancement scheme however following the discovery of underground utilities that are not listed on any historic plans they will have to be delivered in a different way.

‘We are working closely with a Landscape Architect to develop options for above ground trees with additional plants and flora beneath.’

The greening component of the scheme is ‘central to making Queen Street a more appealing destination’, the DCC website says.

New in-ground tree planting had been proposed on the northern footway between Courtenay Street and Albany Street and at The Avenue, but this is no longer the case given the revelation regarding the utilities.

‘I learn that there are possibly going to be planters - similar to the Olive Trees outside Lloyds Bank - is that not going to narrow the space for pedestrians?’ said Cllr Mike Joyce.

‘And after the contractors have left, who is going to look after them, DCC or TDC or are they going to, yet again, look to the town council to pick up the duties?

‘This project is looking like it was put together on the back of an envelope, with little thought given to the long term impact to traders, residents and visitors - it is very worrying indeed’ Cllr Joyce added.