The trench is close to treesFEARS are mounting that more damage will be caused to The Green in Devizes by Wessex Water just as a lengthy battle for compensation for previous damage has been agreed.

Workmen for the water company have dug a trench on The Green close to trees by The Crammer to finish off the connections for the new water main that has been laid.

The latest work follows agreement by Wessex Water to pay £7,327 in compensation after several months of negotiation with the town council.

The town council had to carry out remedial work after Wessex Water finished installing the water main across the Green last summer.

Parts of the area were fenced off for weeks while Wessex Water laid the main.

Several tonnes of top soil had to be brought in by the town council's contractor because the ground had sunk as a result of heavy machinery used by Wessex Water.

There is still remedial work to do. The council's contractor is due to return this month to reseed the ground and fill in sunken areas.

On Tuesday, councillors on the council's recreation and properties committee expressed concern about the most recent trench.

Coun Charles Winchcombe was particularly concerned that roots of nearby trees might have been damaged.

During the work last year Wessex Water disciplined workers who were responsible for damaging some tree roots.

Coun Catherine Brown, chairman of the committee, said: "We have had nothing but problems from the work and The Green still looks atrocious. It's an ongoing saga."

A Wessex Water spokesman said: "We have put the water main down and we have got some final connections to do in and around The Green, Southbroom Road and on the verges of the A361 carriageway which will take us some weeks.

"We are working as best we can to get this done as quickly as possible.

"We are not aware of damage to trees and we try and avoid or minimise impact on the environment."

Residents however, said they are disappointed The Green is being dug up again.

Paul McDonald, landlord of The Bell by the Green pub in Estcourt Street, said: "The trench is a monstrosity.

"It just spoils what is a beautiful view across The Crammer. When people drive into Devizes the first thing they see is roadworks."

Irene Bartley, 82, a resident of The Island, said: "I thought Wessex Water had finished their work on The Green.

"They left the middle of The Green in such a mess when they were working on there. But I am not a kill joy. I know people need to have their water and the work had to be done for the new houses."