Conker tree felling causes anger

The castle can now be seen clearly from the estate agent offices

Caernarfon residents have reacted angrily to the felling of a 100-year-old conker tree in the town square.

Local business people said they had been assured the tree, opposite the castle, was safe during the current £2.4m redevelopment of the area.

One described the tree was a local landmark and many people were "horrified" by its removal.

A Gwynedd council spokesman said the horse chestnut tree was removed because

it was a danger to the public.

"I came into the office on Sunday and thought, 'Hang on there's something different here', then realised the tree had gone," said Susan Morris who works at Bob Parry estate agents near where the tree used to stand.

The tree was truly wonderful and I've no idea why it had to come down Bob Anderson, Gwynedd councillor

"We're horrified it has gone. There's no way it was dangerous and loads of people have been asking why it has disappeared," she added.

The tree, which was believed to be about 100-years-old was a popular spot to shelter on the square, Ms Morris added.

Gwynedd councillor Bob Anderson, said he was not told the tree was to be felled.

'Public safety'

Mr Anderson said he had been assured the tree would be safe when the current redevelopment work began.

"I'm disgusted and I've had no end of complaints from members of the public.

"The tree was truly wonderful and I've no idea why it had to come down."

A Gwynedd Council said the chestnut was felled after a recent assessment of various trees in the Maes (Square) area by the council's tree expert

"It was deemed that the chestnut tree located on the bottom end of Pool Street posed a danger to the public and should be felled as a matter of urgency in order to protect the safety of the public," said the spokesman.

"Whilst the original plan for the £2.4m redevelopment of the Maes area was to retain this particular tree, unfortunately its condition was such that there was no other option other than to have it removed to ensure the safety of the public.

He added: "Two semi-mature trees will now be planted in the area as soon as possible."