A?FOR sale sign ?described as 'horribly big' erected on the front of the Guildhall building in Tavistock has been re-positioned on the railings after a local outcry.

Concern was raised about the two large signs that were put up on the Grade II Listed Guildhall building, following the Devon Historic Buildings Trust's decision to sell the complex.

The signs were placed on the front of the building, although one was taken down, advertising the complex for sale.

Tavistock town councillor Mandy Ewings expressed her concerns about the 'horribly big signs' at a recent meeting of the full council.

She told members that she had emailed senior planning and conservation officer at West Devon Borough Council Graham Lawrence, and the chairman of Devon Historic Building's Trust to voice her concerns, and received a reply from Mr Lawrence.

Reading from the email, Cllr Ewings said: 'Mr Lawrence said that he thinks DBHT have to be seen to promote the sales as they had external funding and they may have to repay the money if they are not seen to be actively marketing the site.

'He said he was concerned that they had stuck one of them on an area of likely medieval fabric. He confirms there was no consultation with him about how or where to put the signs up.'

Cllr Ewings said that the officer mentioned that for sale signs were temporary, but strictly speaking, if someone were to alter a Listed building, there could theoretically be some action.

The complex includes the former police station, fire station and magistrates court, which the DHBT has decided to sell, in part or full.

After the meeting, Cllr Ewings said: 'It is with dismay that I noticed the huge for sale signs on the Guildhall building in the centre of Tavistock.

She said many residents had commented as to how inappropriate they were and one resident said it looked like the whole town was up for sale as you drove into Tavistock.

Chairman of DHBT Sue Spackman said she understood people's concerns and had asked the agent to take the signs down as soon as possible and position them at the front on the railings instead.

As the Times went to press the one remaining sign had been re-positioned on the railings.