ANOTHER of Alton's landmark trees is to be felled following safety concerns. The axe will fall shortly on a majestic horse chestnut close to the Anstey Road railings in Anstey Park, and forms a key part of the traditional parkscape. The tree is yet another to fall victim to an arboriculturist's report on the state of the trees in Anstey Park – a site owned by Alton Town Council. The report recommends the prompt removal of the tree which stands to the north of the main drive. The council has commissioned a series of inspections of all its trees to identify those in need of work to prolong their lives or which are old or diseased and need to be removed. The Anstey Park inspection follows a similar survey on trees in the Public Gardens carried out late last year which has recommended the felling of a prize cedar of Lebanon and a neighbouring Austrian pine. In recommending the felling of the horse chestnut the consultant's report states that the tree has "evidence of past large branch reductions" and that decay is likely to set in around the pruning wounds. The tree is also known to have suffered various large branch failures in the past, including branches from a major stem which overhangs the road. The report issues a reminder: "This tree stands over the public highway, parking spaces and opposite a children's nursery school." ATC recreation committee chairman, Atul Patel, said: "While we are always sad to lose any tree, it is best to try to foresee problems and manage them to minimise the potential danger to the public, rather than the unthinkable happen." As the front of Anstey Park falls within the Anstey Conservation Area it has been necessary to seek permission from East Hampshire District Council.
