There are fears that bureaucratic red tape could delay the felling of a diseased tree in Kingsteignton, putting lives at risk and costing tax payers plenty.

A 150-year-old Turkey oak at Oakford Lawn is riddled with fungus and tree surgeons have told the town council it has to come down.

But when officials began looking into the process they were told by Natural England a felling licence would be needed.

In order for that to be issued, a crow's nest at the top of the 70ft non-native specimen had to be examined to see if it was in use.

Mayor Cllr Keith Howard said: 'An ecologist had to come out and see if the nest was current but found it wasn't.