Art gallery tree to be felled over safety concerns

The felling is scheduled for 1 and 2 September, when the gallery will be closed

A 50-year-old tree in the garden of an art gallery is due to be felled because it poses a risk to the public.

Tree officers from East Devon District Council inspected the tree at Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton and concluded it was in "significant decline".

Felling is scheduled for 1 and 2 September and the gallery will be closed for safety reasons.

Councillor Geoff Jung, the council's portfolio holder for environment-operational, said it would be replaced.

"We know this tree is much loved by visitors to the gallery and by the local community, so this is not a decision taken lightly," he said.

"Unfortunately, the health of the tree has deteriorated beyond recovery and now presents a safety hazard.

"We will be replacing it with a more suitable native species to ensure the garden remains a welcoming, biodiverse space for people and wildlife."