by Alan Quick

MID Devon District Council has announced that it has sadly had to take the difficult decision to remove a large Lucombe Oak from Newcombes Meadow Park in Crediton.

A council spokesperson told the “Courier”: “It was suspected that the tree had severe decay at the base and following a detailed inspection of the internal decay, it was confirmed that the tree was in an unsafe condition.

“Further separate professional opinions were sought in order to support the decision and the same conclusion was reached, that there was no other option than to fell the tree.”

Crediton Town Councillor Andy Wyer, who is a member of the Newcombes Meadow play committee, recently said: “While the tree looks fine and healthy to a casual glance, it is actually very badly decayed inside the trunk.

“This tree will be felled as soon as it is practical.”

The Mid Devon District Council spokesperson added that a new replacement Lucombe Oak will be planted in the same location this coming planting season.