The powers-that-be were clearly determined to avert another tree-hugging protest.
But does it really take 13 security guards and six police officers to stand by as three trees are chopped down in the Westgate Centre in Oxford?
If private developers wish to spend money on security men, that is a matter for them and their shareholders.
But council taxpayers have a right to ask how much the deployment of police officers on such a dangerous mission cost the public purse.
What was the figure?
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