THE erection of a new sign — the first of its type erected in West Devon — outside a historic building in the centre of Tavistock last week sparked outrage at a meeting in the town.

The town council's properties committee heard that Tavistock Museum Trust, a member of the Cornish Mining Attractions Marketing Association, had asked for consent to erect a new sign outside the museum in Court Gate.

The metallic sign would incorporate the World Heritage logo and colours and would be issued free to the museum.

Rod Martin, secretary of the trust, said: 'Our preference would have been to have this mounted on the front of the cottage building. The conservation officer has advised this will not be acceptable, but indicated an alternative mounting on two posts in the front garden would be, subject to planning approval.

'This is likely to be the first World Heritage sign erected in West Devon. The title on the sign, Cornish Mining, is a generic term for all 19th century mining activities in West Devon and Cornwall, and refers to the mining culture and technology which not only impact West Devon, but also spread world-wide.'

Town mayor Cllr Philip Sanders said he was 'absolutely shocked' to see a mock-up photo of the sign and its position.

He said considering the opposition the council had faced from the borough's conservation officer regarding the flying of banners outside the town hall, he seriously thought this suggestion was an April Fool joke.

'I really cannot get my brain around it,' he said.

Cllr Harry Smith said the sign seemed overly large and he found it 'amazing' that the conservation officer found it acceptable, considering the 'hassle' the council had faced with its banners.

Cllr Ted Sherrell said: 'The only thing you can say about this conservation officer, and the last one, is they are consistent in their extraordinary inconsistency.'

Town clerk Carl Hearn said officers should regard the question of the borough's conservation officer's views, and that of the proposed sign, as two separate issues.

'This is very much about what is an appropriate level of signage, and your views about size, location and what will detract from the setting of a Listed building,' he said.

The committee agreed Cllr Sue Bailey's proposal that a meeting should be set up between the museum trustees, council members and West Devon's officers to discuss the matter further.