THE CONDITION of a disused historic toll house in Tavistock has concerned some local residents who claim it is not being protected against the elements.

But developers say they have removed asbestos tiles from the derelict building because they are a health hazard and will be submitting a planning application for a re-development project at the site in due course.

Local resident Jane Miller said slates have been stripped from the roof of the Westbridge toll house, leaving it with holes in the roofing felt where the rain gets in.

She said: 'A winter of our weather through a leaking roof could make restoration impracticable and then what?

'Removal from the conservation area, demolition or the loss of a bit more of what makes Tavistock special?

Dr Tom Greeves, of the Dartmoor Society, said the important building dated back to 1822 and should be the subject of a Building Preservation Notice.

'It is within the Conservation Area and the World Heritage site, but is not officially "listed".'

Dr Greeves said the toll house was referred to in Gerry Woodcock's 'Tavistock's Yesterdays — Episodes From Her History 3' which says: 'Of the visual evidence of the turnpike era, the most striking feature is the toll house.

'These buildings, along with milestones, are the remaining furniture of the turnpike trusts. They are the visible reminders of a hundred years of local transport history.'

The developer, who did not wish to be named, said the building was 90% water-tight. It was derelict anyway with nothing inside so no further damage could be done, he said.

'We had a survey done and were advised to remove the asbestos on the roof as it was a health hazard.

'The building has not been maintained for 50 years. We are due to submit an application for a redevelopment project.'

A spokesman for West Devon Borough Council said: 'We are keeping a watching brief on this property and have written to the current owner asking him to weatherproof the building to protect it from the elements.'

He confirmed that the old toll house was not a listed building but it did fall within the Tavistock Conservation Area and the World Heritage Site.