“Badly decayed” mature tree in town centre fully cut down

A prominent town centre tree that was described as being “badly decayed’ has been chopped down.

The horse chestnut tree – which was located inside the Jubilee Garden near the library entrance – was removed over the weekend after being under review for several years, and recently pruned ahead of its final removal.

A decision to remove the tree was taken last month after it was found to be ‘at increased risk of snapping or being uprooted in high winds’.

Speaking last month, Cllr David Bithell, lead member for environment and transport said, “It’s a real shame to have to remove a mature tree like this but the Chestnut tree is rotten and starting to die, the tree has been assessed over several years by our own officers and independent consultants.

“The decision hasn’t been taken lightly but it’s important that we deal with such a tree that is in poor condition, in an area which is very heavily used by pedestrians.”

A new tree has been planted on the green this winter and a further replacement tree will be planted next winter.