SOME 20 plus years ago there was a complex of houses built on land opposite the Broken Cross. The Britannia Drive complex borders onto Pennys Lane which has always been used for leisure walks for a large number of people who enjoy the leafy lane.

Halfway down the lane was a large ash tree and an oak tree, which I estimate to be over 200 years old.

About two years ago one of the houses applied to have the ash tree cut down based on the premise that the roots were damaging the dwelling and that the centre of the tree was rotten.

In fact the tree was sound with no sign of any rot but I’m unable to comment on the property damage.

The oak which is in an adjoining garden is now under threat as the house owners claim subsidence damage is taking place and that the tree needs to be removed.

I’m not a tree expert but over the years have seen enough trees blown over to know that large oak trees have quite a shallow and small root bundle with a minimal root spread.

I’m sure that the tree can be managed by an expert to ensure that this magnificent tree can be preserved for coming generations to enjoy.

I urge the house owners to do everything possible to prevent the loss of this 200-year-old asset.

Neil Lomas Pennys Lane