A TREE that faced the axe after plans were submitted for its removal has been saved, after more than 30 residents wrote to the council.

The planning application, hoping to give the veteran oak the chop, was officially refused on January 6 by Wokingham Borough Council.

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According to the final decision, 31 residents had contacted the council in order to prevent the tree from being felled, after it had been standing for what has been estimated to be 200 years, according to the Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association.

The oak, adjacent to 65 Measham Way, Lower Earley, Reading, is to remain where it currently stands.

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Hawkedon councillor Andrew Mickleburgh, said: "Saved! The application to fell a large and much valued tree on land adjacent to 65 Measham Way has been refused by Wokingham Borough Council.

"It is also very noticeable that the officer who wrote the report has made many very specific references to the many public submissions seeking that this tree be protected.

"I am sure that these will have contributed much to the process and decision."