LIKE many others Jean Trevithick is right to be concerned about the potential fate of the old Monterey Pine near to the entrance of the Recreation Ground.

The tree is approximately 120 years old. The natural life expectancy of such a tree is probably no more than another 20 to 25 years. We must be encouraged that no major branches were shed this week when there were winds in excess of 60 mph. It must be in pretty good shape. However, this is no reason to hasten its demise, either by design or default. The greatest threat is where some of the roots have grown into the wall. These will need protecting.

In order to achieve the highways improvement at Dracaena Avenue, Carrick district council sold a strip of land to county council. This included the small area at the junction with Chard Terrace, which encloses the Monterey Pine. The first phase of the roadworks should have been completed by January 19. I was assured by county highways in November that there was no intention at that time to remove the tree.

The tree is not protected by any tree preservation order. Carrick DC were selling the land to county so they were reluctant to impose a TPO, because this could have represented a conflict of interests.

County highways would probably also be receptive to a scheme to plant replacements were there sufficient public interest, before the demise of the existing tree. Surely there is scope for a small group of new Montereys to be planted just behind the wall to make a landmark statement in the future?

Pressure is needed to get agreement between Carrick who currently own the Recreation Ground, the rugby club committee who are the lessees and county council who will become the owners of the “Rec” with One Cornwall. I recommend that those interested should campaign with county councillors and also make their views known at county highways.

John Ellis by email