The cutting down of old beech tree at Old Heath Recreation Ground, Colchester, has upset residents and passers-by.

But according to Keith Nicholson, Colchester Council's head of leisure services, the century-old beech tree had to go on safety grounds.

He said: "The tree was suffering from stress and getting old. Earlier this year quite a large branch fell from it. Beech trees grow and look healthy, and then suddenly can go into decline and have a habit of dropping large branches.

"We had the tree inspected and it was agreed it had to be felled for safety's sake."

Mr Nicholson added: "Beech trees cannot be reduced and regrow and that is a shame."

A bus passenger who saw the tree being cut as she went by the recreation ground, phoned the Gazette to say: "I am absolutely aghast, many of us have grown up with these trees."

The woman, who did not want to be named, added: "They are one of the sights of Colchester. People on the bus with me were nearly in tears when they saw what was happening."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.