Last month, Electricity North West asked residents of Tockholes whether the tree, in the grounds of Tockholes United Reformed Church, should be removed as it was dangerously close to overhead power lines or whether the electricity network should be placed underground.

Residents had two weeks to respond to the consultation and the majority of respondents opted for the tree to be felled.

Tom Woolley, who is overseeing the project in Tockholes for Electricity North West, said: “Firstly, I want to thank the residents who took the time to take part in our consultation.

“Neither option would have been straightforward and that’s why we wanted to involve the residents to help make our decision.

“We understand some people will be disappointed at the outcome, but action needed to be taken as the tree presents an unacceptable safety risk.
“Now we have the result of consultation, we’ll plan the work and proactively inform residents of Tockholes as to when it will take place.”

As well as confirming a date for when work will take place, Electricity North West is also working with the parish council to plant more trees in the village and members of the church to commemorate the tree.

“The Beech tree has stood in the church grounds for many years and we’d like to do something to commemorate it as we know it will be missed,” Mr Woolley added.

“Not only that but as we’re removing the tree, we want to plant several more in the village and we’re working with members of the parish council to find suitable locations.

Prior to announcing the result of the consultation, Electricity North West proactively informed both the residents who took part and Tockholes Parish Council of the outcome.