Inquiry over felling of willows

Campaigners tried to save the eleven trees from being cut down

An inquiry has started into claims that council workers in Oxford felled five healthy willow trees.

Eleven willow trees on Osney Island were cut down last month because the city council said they were rotten and dangerous and had to be removed.

But campaigners said they have since seen a report which states five of the eleven trees were healthy.

The council said an investigation was under way and a new tree management scheme was being discussed.

Caroline Bull, of Oxford City Council, said: "It's a very emotive subject, trees anywhere in the country, but in Oxford in particular, are things that people love.

"We have a lot of trees in Oxford, we have our tree officers who love the trees, but clearly have to be aware of health and safety."

Once the inquiry is over the council hopes to set up a database of trees in the city to help manage them.