ONE of the first trees which visitors to Okehampton see as they head along Exeter Road into the town is being felled due to safety concerns.
Following some maintenance works carried out by a tree surgeon on the lines of trees along Exeter Road earlier this year, the first beech tree from the top of the hill has been identified as having a 'serious structural defect'.
Although the tree looks healthy, the surgeon found a large hollow in the trunk which made the tree unstable.
Devon County Council have taken the decision to fell the tree as it is located with a main road on one side and houses on the other side, and if it did fall, serious injury could be caused.
The county council are hoping to fell the tree in the next week before winter storms increase the risk of the tree falling.
The felling work should last about one day and traffic lights will be used along the stretch of road affected.
Any queries please contact Steve Brockman at Devon County Council on 01837 52773.