CAMPAIGNING residents have won a stay of execution for trees threatened with the axe in Beverley.
East Riding Council has agreed to have a rethink over controversial plans to chop down a group of trees near the town centre.
But residents battling to save the four trees in New Walkergate have been warned the council has not ruled out felling if there is no alternative solution to root damage.
Mike Featherby, the council's interim head of streetscene services, said the notice to fell the trees has been withdrawn following talks with councillors and people whose properties are affected by tree root damage.
Mr Featherby said: "The council will now look to draw up a scheme of works that can be agreed with all parties before any work is undertaken.
"The structural defects to the footway and the nearby property wall are unlikely to improve without action from the council.
"Engineers will now evaluate all options available but cannot rule out the possibility of felling the trees due to the potentially hazardous conditions for pedestrians and residents."
Residents battling to save the trees have welcomed the council's rethink.
Jo Gateshill said: "The council has now withdrawn the notice to fell the trees but this won't be the end of it.
"We will be watching what happens. We won't let it rest."
Ward councillors for the area want to see a solution found by the council.
Councillor David Elvidge said: "Residents have made it clear that they feel very passionately about the trees in New Walkergate and that they have concerns about this decision being rushed through.
"The withdrawal of the application to fell them means that appropriate time and attention can be spent trying to find an alternative way of safeguarding the footpath and making sure that the decision taken is the right one for Beverley."
Fellow ward councillor Dominic Peacock said: "We are hopeful that a solution can be found which will allow one, or all, of the trees to be retained.
"Councillors for the area will be monitoring this situation closely and working with council officers to explore other avenues and ensure residents' views continue to be represented."
