A council row has erupted in West Yorkshire after a 180-year-old oak tree was felled by council contractors just a week after protesters blocked workers from chopping it down.
The historic Tittybottle tree in Otley was cut down on 7 February, after protesters had previously prevented its removal.
During weeks of protests, campaigners had been camping at the site to protect the tree.
Leeds City Council ordered the removal to enable vital repairs to Otley Bridge, a crucial crossing point for pedestrians and vehicles in the area.
The situation had reached a critical point on 31 January when protesters were found camping at the site and climbing the oak tree, forcing the council to postpone their plans.
The council maintained that the tree's location made essential bridge repairs impossible without its removal.
An alternative plan would have required reducing Otley Bridge to single-lane traffic for six months, causing significant delays.
One protester, Sylva, explained their commitment to protecting the tree: "I've worked with nature all my life.
"Probably some of the stuff we do may seem a bit more radical, but beginning to work together, we might just open space for campaign groups to work together."
The tree's removal has deeply divided the local community, with residents expressing strong views on both sides of the debate.
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David, a 40-year resident of Otley living north of the river, warned of severe consequences if traffic restrictions were implemented: "It's jammed up. There's ambulances, fire engines - people will die because they can't sort the bridge problem out, that's why!"
However, local resident Brenda Bramham advocated for preservation: "I do think the tree should be left. It's really important.
"I understand the safety aspect but we're never going to see a tree like this in this condition again in my lifetime in Otley. There must be another alternative."
Leeds City Council defended their decision but committed to planting a minimum of 13 semi-mature trees across the Otley area, including in Tittybottle Park, following community consultation.
A temporary footway will be installed over approximately 12 weeks, with completion expected in late spring 2025.
The existing footway will then be removed in a 20-week operation starting spring 2025.
The final permanent footway is scheduled to open in autumn 2025, completing the bridge improvement works.
Find Out More...
The historic Tittybottle tree in Otley was cut down on 7 February, after protesters had previously prevented its removal.
During weeks of protests, campaigners had been camping at the site to protect the tree.
Leeds City Council ordered the removal to enable vital repairs to Otley Bridge, a crucial crossing point for pedestrians and vehicles in the area.
The situation had reached a critical point on 31 January when protesters were found camping at the site and climbing the oak tree, forcing the council to postpone their plans.
The council maintained that the tree's location made essential bridge repairs impossible without its removal.
An alternative plan would have required reducing Otley Bridge to single-lane traffic for six months, causing significant delays.
One protester, Sylva, explained their commitment to protecting the tree: "I've worked with nature all my life.
"Probably some of the stuff we do may seem a bit more radical, but beginning to work together, we might just open space for campaign groups to work together."
The tree's removal has deeply divided the local community, with residents expressing strong views on both sides of the debate.
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David, a 40-year resident of Otley living north of the river, warned of severe consequences if traffic restrictions were implemented: "It's jammed up. There's ambulances, fire engines - people will die because they can't sort the bridge problem out, that's why!"
However, local resident Brenda Bramham advocated for preservation: "I do think the tree should be left. It's really important.
"I understand the safety aspect but we're never going to see a tree like this in this condition again in my lifetime in Otley. There must be another alternative."
Leeds City Council defended their decision but committed to planting a minimum of 13 semi-mature trees across the Otley area, including in Tittybottle Park, following community consultation.
A temporary footway will be installed over approximately 12 weeks, with completion expected in late spring 2025.
The existing footway will then be removed in a 20-week operation starting spring 2025.
The final permanent footway is scheduled to open in autumn 2025, completing the bridge improvement works.
Find Out More...