A group of destructive trees churning up Paignton’s main shopping street are to be dealt with – nearly two years after they first started causing a hazard. Nine leafy elms along Victoria Street, the town main pedestrianised area, have caused extensive damage to the surface and have been barriered off since spring 2023.
Photos show dozens of paving stones have had to be removed from around the base of the trees. At least one person has complained about falling, blaming the uneven surface for breaking their shoulder.
The presence of bright orange barriers outside NatWest, Costa and other shops has also created an eyesore and businesses have become fed-up with the time it has taken to arrange repair work.
One person said: “The problem is planting elm trees in the town centre without tree root barriers, so causing extensive damage to surfaces and underground services.
“They are far too close to buildings and contrary to any guidelines. The council has recently planted a new one at bottom of street.”
Barriers around trees in Victoria Street Paignton (Google)
Now the bright orange barriers are finally due to come down and work scheduled to start on the trees in the coming weeks.
A Torbay Council spokesperson said: “Torbay Council is pleased to share our improvement plans in Victoria Street, Paignton. These works will begin in the coming weeks. These works are scheduled for the winter season, as the trees are in their dormant cycle.
“The nine established trees in Victoria Street have become top-heavy, and their spreading roots have caused the paving stones to lift.
Barriers around trees in Victoria Street Paignton
(Image: Userr submission)
“For safety reasons, SWISCo have barriered off some of the surrounding areas. SWISCo will prune the roots and install a special membrane to the pavement surface protect against future root growth. The trees will not be removed but will be pollarded once the current surfacing work has been completed.