A plan to save part of the beech tree at the Prospect, which is threatened by removal, has hit a snag.

Although the main part of the tree is still alive, the branch which fell off in the storms early December is thought to have been caused by water pooling in the crown of the tree, causing it to decay.

Local photographer Caz Holbrook, who has used the tree many times in her work, has been trying to save the tree in some form. She told the Ross Gazette she has spoken to an independent tree surgeon who told her that the tree is presently unstable because of the fact that for years water has pooled into the centre between the three main sections of the trunk.

He says that eventually all of the limbs would fall off in the same way the big one has. This is obviously a big health and safety issue.

However, Caz is still looking into the possibility of a tree sculptor being able to do something worthwhile with the tree if it was brought down to an acceptable level

There are still a few reservations that it may be rotten in the centre but Caz is organising a tree surgeon to inspect it soon.

Overall it seems to be the view that the tree, despite having lost a large limb, is still more attractive and of no serious safety concern. Although, if it does need to be reduced, it could still be turned into something attractive for the people of Ross-on-Wye to enjoy.