NATURE-LOVERS in Melksham worried about the future of a fifty-year-old tree have demanded a protection order be slapped on it to save it from the chop.

The tree, in Market Place, overlooking the bus stop, has been a recognised feature in Melksham since the post-war years.

Town councillors heard pleas for the tree to be protected on Monday night, July 22, and environmentalists fear its future could be threatened by a market place improvement scheme.

The project will see wider pavements and a paved pedestrian area where the taxi rank and short-stay car park are at present.

Councillors agreed to apply for the protection order.