Sir, The Oxford Times has done well in bringing this "Act of vandalism" issue to their readers (Tree protesters defeated over willows). I sympathise and fully support the concern of the local residents.

I would also like to add my support to John Thompson's letter (November 10), in voicing the opinion of the Forest of Oxford group.

I was appalled but not surprised that our local authority has again "run away" from carrying out a more sensitive (to both the trees and residents) and sensible form of tree maintenance.

It does not take an arboricultural qualification to see that pollarded willows are not only the norm in the Thames Valley but an intrinsic part of that scene.

Willows of great age and infirmity will usually respond (as many other species will) to pollarding, by producing a vigorous head of young shoots in just a year or two.

In France, many street trees are pollarded, this (if carried out regularly) prevents large, possibly dangerous branches from developing and causing obstructions to large vehicles.

It seems whilst authorities are content to collect "Brownie points" for planting new trees, they take little care or thought in protecting the elderly ones.

It is the latter that make the most impact on our present city landscape and human environment. In the last few years we have lost numerous fine mature trees in Oxford. Many of these will never be replaced due to the many man-made restrictions in urban streets.

If you are concerned about Oxford's trees then why not come along to the next Forest of Oxford group meeting, at 6pm, on December 14, at the Town Hall, Oxford.

Ian Gourlay , Former University wood anatomist, Vice Chairman of the Oxford Tree Club and member of the Forest of Oxford steering group, Hailey