1918 memorial oak to be cut down

An oak tree planted on Armistice Day, 1918, in memory of the Shropshire soldiers who died during the First World War is set to be cut down despite years of campaigning to protect it.

The Meole Brace Memorial Oak was planted by two brothers in memory of their uncle and the 64 other men from the area who did not return from the war.

The tree stands on land which was formerly a railway station from where many of the 200 men from Meole Brace who fought in the war departed.

The Meole Oak Protection Association was formed 10 years ago by residents who did not want to lose the tree when the land was sold off. But the tree's health has declined for several years and it has now died.

John Morris, who has lived opposite the tree for 45 years, said: "It's sad that it will be cut down."

Permission has now been given to Reg Bushnell, the land owner, to remove the tree.

In 2000 the group won their fight to save the tree after Mr Bushnell lodged an appeal after the then borough council placed a preservation order on the oak.

Mr Bushnell today refused to comment.

Martin Sutton, Shropshire Council's county arboriculturalist, said: "Given its roadside location, the dead tree will become a safety hazard to pedestrians and motorists alike."

He said the owner was under an obligation to plant a replacement, while the council will look at options for planting another memorial tree on public land.