WHILST these days we accept them, I do believe that before the dreaded “elf ’n safety” got involved in just about every aspect of our lives the felled landmark Monterey pine in Park Gate would have received a different approach.

An expert would in days gone by probably have found a bit of ageing in this wonderful example of longevity of life and given it the OK.

But today the same expert is hogtied to accept liability if the tree should shed a limb, so he has no option than to give it the executioner’s nod.

He’s in the clear and Park Gate is just a little less foliated. Very sad.

MICHAEL LATTER, Durley.