CIVIC bosses have confirmed that an ash tree which was cut down in Winchester city centre did not have a tree preservation order on it.

Hyde Street resident Professor Nigel Wood had expressed his frustration after tree surgeons brought down the mature ash tree in Hyde Close.

C&D Trees had applied to Winchester City Council to take down the tree six weeks earlier and had received no reply saying they couldn't.

A spokesman from Winchester City Council said: “On this occasion it was concluded that this ash was visible from the public domain - however, from a minor road. It was located in a relatively small garden and, as it had the potential to grow quite large, it was not considered a suitable tree species for the location in the long-term.

“It was not considered expedient to serve a tree preservation order in response to this notification.

“No objection was raised and the six-week time frame lapsed. C&D Trees were therefore able to proceed with its removal.”