LIPHOOK Square was brought to a standstill last Friday when tree surgeons began felling a prominent landmark tree, which had graced the forecourt of The Anchor pub for more than 200 years.

People watched as a team from Dryad Tree Specialists started to take down the deceased horse chestnut tree at 9.30am, finishing the job at 3pm.

The Square was closed off while four tree cutters, two preservation and three landscape experts, as well as three traffic management personnel, set to work, surveyed by Greene King representative Paolo Gilardoni.

The work had to be undertaken due to the village annual carnival, which took place on Saturday, drawing thousands of visitors to the centre of the village.

Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council together with Greene King Brewery, landlords of The Anchor, were concerned about the safety to the public, after

East Hampshire District Council arboricultural officers agreed the tree, which was leaning across the road, was in a potentially dangerous state

Bill Mouland, one of Liphook’s councillors on EHDC, said: “The advice of the experts was to remove the tree. The branch that fell down a few weeks ago was very large and could have caused serious injury to anyone underneath.”

A parish council spokesman said: “We have been approached by Greene King Brewery who are keen to work with us regarding the species of a replacement tree and would welcome any input from members of the public. Consideration is also being given by Greene King to the possibility of using wood salvaged to make something for the village and we will keep the public informed as to the progress on this.

“The wood is going to be stored at The Anchor for now and Greene King would like to work with the community on this and have asked anyone to liaise through the parish council so they have one point of contact.”

A spokesman for The Royal Anchor said: “We understand the significance of the tree to the local people and hope that we can work with the parish council on a fitting tribute.

“Following inspection, the tree was found to be hollow in places and infected with a damaging fungus. We will be consulting tree specialists with regard to choices for a replacement in due course.”

The Anchor tree has been a regular feature in the annual Christmas carol singing event, when Father Christmas and his helpers gather underneath to raise money for local causes.