AN interim preservation order has been made on all trees in the Down Road area of Tavistock, as West Devon Borough Council brings in new measures to protect the special character of the neighbourhood. The order is a temporary measure as the council brings in a local tree consultant to survey all trees in the area and assess their quality. On Monday, more than 130 householders living in the Down Road area, including some houses in Down Park Drive, Deer Leap, Deer Park Lane, Downlea, Grove Park, St Johns and one property in Whitchurch Road, received a letter from the council informing them of the order. The measure was introduced after the council carried out initial survey work on trees in the area. The council was also approached by a number of residents who fear that the special landscape quality of the road is being eroded by tree felling. Cllr Philip Sanders, chairman of West Devon's planning and licensing committee, said: 'Over the years, a number of tree preservation orders have been placed on trees in the area, but councillors and officers consider that a piecemeal, reactive approach has not always been sufficient to protect mature and developing trees.' Once survey work is complete the interim order will be lifted and only those trees considered worthy of protection will be subject to the tree preservation order process. Any owners affected will be notified in writing by the council. The work will be completed during 2009 and is considered worthwhile as a number of mature trees have already been removed. Owners are advised that if they wish to carry out any work to their trees during this interim period, they must seek permission from the council. Brian Fyfield-Shayler, co-ordinator of the Tavistock Tree Preservation Group, said that he was delighted about the protection measures and supported the interim preservation order and arboricultural survey. He added: 'Down Road is a vital lung for the whole of Tavistock.  'The trees here are essential for the green backdrop to the town, visible for miles around and from right across the valley.' For further information call 01822 813600 or visit West Devon's website and click on http://www.westdevon.gov.uk/tpopicture">www.westdevon.gov.uk/tpopicture