Residents of Wokingham have been actively expressing their views on a 300 year old oak tree that is being partially cut down.

The tree was deemed a health and safety issue by Wokingham Borough Council since a large branch snapped off in high winds.

The tree is currently being partially felled and is situated in St Paul’s Graveyard along the Reading Road. This has resulted in a partial road closure, with buses having to take alternative routes.

Wokingham residents Mrs Pam Chart and Mrs Nikki Colburn said that it’s a shame the tree must be cut down but that it is understandable due to health and safety.

“It was rotten all the way through,” said Mrs Chart. “It’s a shame to see it go, but that’s just life sadly. I didn’t realise it was that old though.”

Mr Steve Sansom posted photos of the tree being partially felled on social media and many took to the comment section to express their views on the matter.

One user said “My customer has got a large oak in the garden and it lost a large limb.

“Tree surgeons looked at it and said the tree was fine and it was just a large limb that died.

“All trees lose a branch now and then that tree could have just been pollard no need to take it down very sad.”

In agreement with the previous comment, another user reminisced about a time when Wokingham was known as “Oakingham” due to it being home to so many oak trees.

“A sad day for Wokingham,” they said. “Shame they couldn’t preserve such a beautiful tree.

“I Remember when Wokingham was called Oakingham because of our trees but nobody seems to be protecting them.”

However, a substantial number of residents agreed that the tree being cut was something that needed to happen due to it being rotten.

One commenter said “The whole tree is rotten through and through” with another explaining “Not the whole tree will be cut, just down to a level to avoid injuries.”

They continued: “The plan is to leave a 4m high tree which we hope might sprout new growth.

“We are collecting acorns and saplings from the oak to be able to replant from this inspiring tree into the Churchyard in the future.”

Two Wokingham residents, who asked not to be named, also said that due to the tree’s condition, the fact that it had to be cut down was inevitable.

“It’s rotten,” one said. “It had to come down or it would kill someone. Everything must come to an end at some point.”