AN HISTORIC tree in Settle which this week seemed set to be controversially felled is still standing.

But mystery still surrounds the ultimate fate of the beech tree, which a group of townsfolk has been fighting to save.

The tree is on the Gillians Lane ground of top Yorkshire rugby union side North Ribblesdale.

The rugby club has permission from Craven District Council to cut down the tree, which formerly had a preservation order, as part of a scheme to improve drainage for one of its two pitches. These can be heavily waterlogged in winter.

But members of the group 'Roots' - Respect Our Old Trees in Settle - have been asking the club to re-think whether the tree needs to be cut down at all.

A notice for the closure of the footpath near the tree for five days - it is believed possibly for the work to be carried out - was issued last week.

But on Tuesday the tree was still in place amid rumours among townsfolk that it may have won a temporary reprieve.

Members of Roots have been urging alternative solutions to the field's drainage problem and say that a tree which is part of the heritage of the town should not be lost in these circumstances.

They have also always maintained they have no dispute with the rugby club and understand the need to improve drainage.

The group's John Bentley has pointed out: "There is good evidence that this need not be an 'either/or' decision. We understand the value of improving the rugby pitch for community use, but this has to be balanced against the loss of this magnificent tree, which could be saved.

"There are alternative professional views on how the work could be carried out.

"We believe that, with a little effort and imagination a scheme of drainage work could be carried out around the roots of the tree which would enable the rugby ground to be improved and at the same time the tree could be retained and protected.

"We are particularly disappointed that Craven District Council has chosen to allocate so little importance to its own tree preservation order."

Planners gave the go-ahead under delegated powers at the end of June. With this permission the applicant has three years to carry out the work.

It is proposed to replace the beech tree by eight smaller trees of various species as part of a replanting scheme.

A spokeswoman for Craven District Council said: “In making the decision the council took into account all comments from residents and other organisations. The applicant employed an arboricultural expert to submit a report and the council’s Trees Officer also assessed the proposal.

“The application was determined under the scheme of delegation and was approved under the 'seven-day notice procedure.'

"The chairman, vice-chairmen and ward members were sent the officer report and the recommendation to approve. The application was not referred to committee by them.

“The council had to weigh up the significant long-term benefits to the rugby club alongside the loss of one beech tree. The rugby club has also proposed replanting eight more trees on the site. The conditions attached to the planning approval will also ensure protection of the remaining trees on the site.

“Some residents have suggested that there may be alternative solutions to the problems that the club could consider. However, the council was obliged to assess the application that was submitted on its own merits.

“Whilst recognising that some residents will be disappointed that a tree must be felled in order for the proposal to proceed, the council was satisfied that the application was reasonable having regard to all the circumstances, and subject to the strict conditions required.”

North Ribblesdale RUFC declined to comment.