MARSTON residents are calling for their memorial trees to be given more recognition.

Four trees were planted around the village on Armistice Day 1950 to commemorate those from the area who died during the Second World War.

And fears were raised earlier this month that one of the trees, at the corner of Marston Road and Old Marston Road, would be cut down as part of a new Tesco development.

This was denied by the supermarket.

But the renewed interest has sparked calls for plaques to be installed near each of the trees to make sure the reason why they were planted is not forgotten.

Roger Baycock, who runs saxophone shop Allegro Oxford in Marston Road, said: “I think it is something the people of Marston would get behind. But we would like it to remain a community-based project.

“We don’t want donations from outside and we would like the Royal British Legion involved.

“I think residents would donate personally towards this, depending on how much it cost.”

The four trees each represent a different branch of the Armed Forces.

One near Crotch Crescent was planted for those who died while serving in the Navy.

Two more in Marston Road were planted for the Army and the Air Force.

The final tree was planted at the corner of Old Marston Road and Marston Road for the Home Services.

Josie Bridges, who lives in Cromwell Close and remembers the trees being planted, said: “I think it would be a good idea.

“It would help people recognise them and it might make people take more notice of them.”

Marston city councillor Mary Clarkson said she might use some of the £1,500 council allowance she can spend on local projects for the plaques.

She said: “It is the kind of thing I would be quite keen to do with my allowance.

“I don’t know why nothing was put there when they were first planted.”

Planning permission for supermarket giant Tesco to redevelop the former Friar pub was granted in June after planning inspector Andrew Pykett said the effect of the store would be “limited.”

Local residents opposed the development, with a petition gathering 4,400 signatures.