I notice six plane trees in Castle Street have been deprived of their branches, ready for the Westgate Centre improvements.

Quite apart from the aesthetic pleasure of seeing a healthy growing tree, trees are vital for human survival.

Much depends on the size and breed of tree, but one useful quote that could be used as a rule of thumb states: “A single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48lbs per year and release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support two human beings.”

I would be interested to know how the council will be replacing the oxygen required by the 12 people whose oxygen consumption has been curtailed by the death of the plane trees.

HENRY SCRIVENER
Harpers Lane
Oxford