WBB Minerals has issued a 'full and unqualified apology' after unauthorised tree and scrub removal reduced New Cross Pond, Kingsteignton, to a 'moonscape'. The minerals firm claimed a contractor 'misinterpreted' a planning document which cannot now be found. The flooded 27 acre quarry was home to a wide range of flora and fauna, some rare, but WBB has permission to fill in most of the pond with clay waste. However, horrified residents witnessed not only the permitted activities, but the destruction of scrub and trees. Devon County Council has issued a Breach of Condition Notice giving the firm 30 days to say how it will undo the damage, which is contrary to a restoration plan agreed to in 2002. WBB's resources director, Gary Stringer has issued a written apology to Cllr Jill Morris, chairman of Kingsteignton Parish Council, who first alerted him to residents' concerns. 'What has happened is unacceptable and goes against all that we stand for,' he wrote. He added: 'The removal of the scrub is deeply regretted by the company as the site was certainly not designed to look as it currently does.' The firm has agreed to comply with county council officials and start restoration work as early as next week. Ken Tuckett, spokesman for protest group KREAG, claimed pressure by his group had spurred the county council into action and said that WBB had acted with 'total disregard' for the original restoration conditions. He added: 'The removal of the scrub is deeply regretted by the company as the site was certainly not designed to look as it currently does.' The firm has agreed to comply with county council officials and start restoration work as early as next week. Ken Tuckett, spokesman for protest group KREAG, said that WBB had acted with 'total disregard' for the original restoration conditions and that century-old oak trees had been lost. He also warned that other locations in the district could suffer a similar fate. 'The site now resembles a 'moonscape,' he said. 'The beautiful ponds of Rackerhayes and Zitherixon are also in the company's sights for the development of the proposed Kingsteignton 'urban village'. 'We commend the county council for its firm action, as the local community can have no faith in promises and undertakings made by WBB Minerals on the evidence of the New Cross site.'