A FAMILIAR sight in the centre of Cowley has disappeared after a century, despite more than 1,000 people signing a petition to try to save it.

The distinctive Between Towns Road chestnut tree was felled as part of work to create 38 flats on the former Murco garage site, with a report stating it was in ‘poor structural condition’.

Oxford Mail:

But residents, as well as city councillor David Henwood, maintained the tree has important links to the community and could be saved.

ALSO READ: Plans for 150 new student homes

He said: “I’m depressed our efforts weren’t successful.”

A spokesperson for the city council, which owns the site, said the tree had already been investigated for protection and found unsuitable.

Oxford Mail:

Following the felling the city council added a tree surgeon found the branch overhanging the road was hollow, and ‘therefore a danger to the public’.