A SKIPTON town councillor has spoken out against a decision that could lead to the felling of a protected tree.

Councillor Martin Emmerson is upset that Craven District Council's planning committee will allow the felling of a healthy ash tree near David Hill's Mill Bridge.

Despite objections from the town council, the decision was taken to keep the roots of the overhanging tree from damaging the foundations of the office building.

"The tree has been there 60 to 70 years, and it's part of Skipton and the heritage of the town," said Cllr Emmerson (Ind, Skipton South). "Once they cut it down, they won't be putting anything there to replace it.

"There's been a fair of money spent to making that area look nice and it's one of the focal points of the area.

"Before you know it we'll be losing two or three more trees in the town centre."