AN “iconic” tree in a historic dale village is to be felled despite protests.
The Scots pine on Low Green in Romaldkirk is a risk to life and limb, say the parish council which applied to have it removed late last year after saying it was now leaning more and noticing a large split. The county council’s tree officers raised no objection.
However, Romaldkirk householders Nick Donald and Zoe Kroon say the huge tree has always lent towards to the south. They say a photo taken by pioneering Victorian photographer Francis Frith shows that tree is in the same position. Ms Kroon said: “The tree has always leaned. You can take a photograph at the same camera angle and it’s the same, albeit with more foliage.
“It’s a beautiful tree and should be saved. It will still be here when I’m gone if it’s left alone. There are no cracks in the ground and the only danger is if you’re camping under it in a force 20 gale.”
Ms Kroon said Covid restrictions meant it wasn’t possible for her to go door to door or post leaflets.
“We don’t think this is widely known in the village but people should be aware what’s happening,” she said.
The Scots pine also features in a documentary About Britain, aired by Tyne Tees television in 1972, about Romaldkirk. The programme, which is available to view on You Tube, has footage dating to the 1930s showing the tree.
Ms Kroon said “From our conversations, we have surmised that, if you want to remove a tree, even in a tree conservation area, all you have to do is make an application and point out there is some fault with the tree (ie, it’s leaning or has some bark missing) and they will grant the permission to remove it because, if they put a tree preservation order on it, the council become liable.”
In an application to Durham County Council, parish spokeswoman Lesley Cutting said: “The tree has leant towards the south east for many years but we feel it has moved to a dangerous angle under pressure from strong westerly winds we experience now.
“We have concerns it will not stand up to much more. There are new splits around the trunk near to the ground level.
“As the village green is used for recreational purposes if it came down there could be danger to life or serious injury, along with the damage it could do to overhead electricity wires.”
Parish councillor Derek Nixon said: “We are devastated to have to remove it. It’s an iconic tree but there is a big split at the bottom. We had an arborist look at it three years ago who said we could extend its life by removing some protruding branches. We have done this but it’s got worse. We have then and now photos that show its leaning more.”
“The only alternative is to prop it up but that would look ugly. It’s a real shame but nature happens – nothing lasts forever.”
The parish council said the tree will be replanted for future generations.
“We have photos that show the green without the tree, so someone planted it and we’ll do the same with a new one,” said Mr Nixon.
