New store bows to call to save trees (From The Oxford Times)

New store bows to call to save trees

1:00pm Friday 9th September 2011 in News By Damian Fantato

Mick Haines and other Marston residents expressed fears that Tesco planned to remove trees from outside the old Friar pub

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has put fears about the future of a Marston memorial tree to rest.

Rumours were circulating that trees outside the old Friars pub would be cut down as part of the site’s imminent transformation into a Tesco store.

One of the trees was planted on Armistice Day, 1950, to commemorate the people of Marston who died during the Second World War.

Tesco spokesman Maxine Crawford said: “The trees are not going to be removed, but some lopping is definitely required.

“If we were going to do anything with any of them we would always have a tree surgeon or someone with similar expertise.”

Planning permission was given earlier this year to turn the Old Marston Road pub into a Tesco Express shop, despite local opposition. There are several trees outside the pub, including the memorial tree, and they are on land controlled by the highway authority and outside Tesco’s ownership.

Local resident Mick Haines collected more than 4,400 signatures on a petition against the store being given planning permission.

He said: “They were put there for the dead soldiers. The trees should stay as they were put in.”

Four trees were planted around Marston in 1950. One near Crotch Crescent was for those who died while serving in the Navy, with two more at Marston Road for the Army and the Air Force. The final tree was planted at the corner of Marston Road and Old Marston Road for the Home Services.

Cromwell Close resident Josie Bridges, 86, lived in the area when they were planted.

She said: “The trees were planted in memory of the forces.

“I don’t know whether a lot of people know about them now, but I think the older people would be upset if they went. They bring back memories of the war.

“As long as they are not cut down, it is all right.”

Marston city councillor Mary Clarkson said: “All trees need to be pruned and if it is done in the right way, it is good for them.

“The concern is they would be cut in a way that a tree surgeon wouldn’t do.”

She said a plaque should be installed to mark the trees’ history.

Planning inspector Andrew Pykett granted permission for the store to go ahead in June. Despite opposition, he believed the effect of the store would be “limited”.