SIR,

I wholeheartedly agree with Mr Donald's comments regarding the carving from a branch of our 1,000-year-old oak tree in Oak Crescent, unfortunately misplaced.

It should have been returned to its rightful place.

When I was told by a neighbour that the council were going to place the carving in the newly-restored playground at Woodland View, I approached Councillor Liz Hacket Pain at a coffee morning in Wyesham Church, who suggested that the decision may have been made by members who had no knowledge of the tree and its history.

Sir, this accident to the tree should never have happened in the first place. I phoned the Monmouthshire Tree Officer Jim Keech on a number of occasions, unfortunately not in person as he was not available.

I left messages saying that some of the branches needed immediate attention because they were being hit by high-sided vehicles delivering etc to houses in Oak Crescent.

I was told it was all in hand and would be seen to soon. Unfortunately not soon enough though, as it turned out.

Why were residents of Oak Crescent not consulted as to its future use?

Bob Ranscombe

(Monmouth)