'Landmark' tree set to be removed from town square

Derbyshire Dales District Council said the tree was in poor health and plans were in place to remove and replace it with another tree

A tree described as being a "constant landmark" in a town square in Derbyshire could be replaced.

Derbyshire Dales District Council said the maple tree in Victoria Square, Ashbourne, will have to be removed after it was "found to be in poor health".

The authority made the announcement during improvement works in the area, but it was met with an angry reaction online.

Pat Walker, 65, who runs the Lamplight restaurant close to the site, said: "I was absolutely gutted when I heard they were going to replace it with another tree."

Pat Walker said she was "gutted" when she heard the news

Ms Walker said she had lived in Ashbourne for 25 years and received a letter through the door informing businesses in the square of the decision on Thursday.

She said her "heart sank" when she heard the tree was being removed and added it had been a "constant" for so many people in Ashbourne.

"This tree has been outside this building ever since I've been here and I absolutely love it," she said.

"It's beautiful in all seasons and it's just a constant for people.

"Every time I look out of my window, it's there, decorated in the winter so lovely.

"If there's damage to the tree and it's not in good health then fair enough, but to me, it's never looked better - but I'm no expert."

One resident who reacted angrily online said: "What an absolute disgusting excuse. It's still growing, so there is nothing wrong with it.

Another person said: "I can't believe it, I'm so annoyed. That tree was about 8ft (2.43m) when I started at the barbershop 34 years ago."

'Ongoing improvements'

A spokesman for the council said: "Through the development of the Ashbourne Reborn Highways and Public Realm scheme, the county council and district council have sought expert advice on the approach to trees within the scheme.

"However, as works in Victoria Square have progressed, careful exploration to expose the base of the tree to enable its planned protection revealed that the root system is in poor health and that the tree is approaching the end of its natural life.

"Whilst the poor health of the tree has not been caused by the regeneration works, the ongoing improvements provide an opportunity to install a root protection system which will help create the best conditions for a healthy and longer life for the replacement tree."