A HISTORIC tree in the centre of Romsey has been pruned and may now be cut down for good.

The decades-old horse chestnut on Station Road near the library has had issues with disease for years and might be felled as residents fear it is becoming a hazard to pedestrians.

Romsey resident Ken Gibson, of Homefield, said: "Apparently they're going to cut the whole thing down. The boughs are all brown on the inside. You don't want any of those boughs falling down: it would flatten a person or even a car."

READ MORE: Traffic blocked after tree falls onto street in Romsey

The oak tree with its two long boughs (Image: Ken Gibson)

Ken says the tree has been there since he moved to the area in 1982.

He added: "The tree's been there as long as I can remember but every year it gets infected on its leaves. I went down to the library the other day and I turned to my left and hey ho the tree had disappeared."

The tree's two long trunks are causing alarm as they rot away from the inside, prompting concerns that they could fall and injure someone or damage vehicles.

SEE ALSO: Romsey trees saved from felling after protection order confirmed

This is the second tree on Station Road in a week to have caused concerns among residents after another one fell into the street on Friday, August 14, missing parked cars by a matter of feet and blocking traffic.

The Advertiser called the library to ask about the potential loss of the tree, but received no answer.

We have also approached Hampshire County Council for comment.