CAMPAIGNERS have said the loss of an iconic tree in Oswaldtwistle’s Rhyddings Park was ‘extremely disappointing’.

The 40-foot half-grown sequoia, or giant redwood, was cut down by Hyndburn Council after a campaign to keep the tree standing failed.

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The sequoia, planted in 1973 by the Oswaldtwistle Civic Society, will now make way for a ‘Market Cross’ memorial and seating as a result of a £2million lottery scheme to restore the open space in Fielding Lane.

Mark Cooper, from Oswaldtwistle, set up a campaign on his aerial photography page on Facebook to raise awareness of the potential loss of tree earlier this year.

Mr Cooper, 41, said he was unaware the tree was being cut down until a friend told him on social media.

He said: “It’s extremely disappointing and sad that a tree which did no harm was cut down.

“Lots of people had a lot of happy memories with that tree, I know people with wedding photos under it.

“It was a focal point of the park and it’s a real shame.

“I know we are getting the redevelopment but I’m sure it could have been built around the tree or incorporated the tree within the plans.

“If we can take one positive from this, it’s brought the community closer together and everyone involved did everything they could to try and save the tree.”

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents the area on the borough council, said it’s a classic case of a council not listening to the people.

“It was first thought that the tree had to be removed as part of the scheme, but after looking into it the campaigners found it wasn’t a problem.

“It was a very nice tree and it had been in the park for several years.

“I feel very sorry for everyone who was fond the tree like myself.”

A Hyndburn council spokesman said: “The sequoia tree was taken down in line with the cabinet’s decision after an independent review by a tree expert, along with a full discussion and debate at Cabinet and Council.

“It was followed by further review and debate by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as part of a lottery improvement scheme for Rhyddings Park.”