Residents in the Roundstone Street area of Trowbridge have launched a petition to save a tree that could be felled to make way for a zebra crossing point.

They are trying to stop Wiltshire Council from cutting down the threatened tree when it makes planned improvements to Roundstone Street and The Halve next year.

The tree is growing near the junction of Roundstone Street and County Way where the council wants to locate a crossing point.

It is part of plans using government funds to make Trowbridge town centre more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

The online petition was launched on change.org by resident Bethanie Afton, who said: “We the undersigned implore Wiltshire County Council to reconsider their plan to cut down this iconic tree.

“Wiltshire Council are planning to cut down this beautiful tree at the corner of County Way and Roundstone Street and asphalt the grassed area around it, to make the town more “accessible” to pedestrians and cyclists. How is this a good idea?

“Environmentally? Ecologically? For the sake of making Trowbridge more attractive or appealing?

“No, because it is in the way of a zebra crossing! Surely, the crossing could be moved a few feet to save this tree.”

Another resident, Rosa Atkins, added: “They want to chop this lovely tree down to put a zebra crossing in place.

“Personally, I think I zebra crossing would be better going from the car park steps over to the shop. And then we can save the tree.”

Other locals chimed in with their support of the campaign in the petition comments.

Louise Weissel said: “We need our mature trees.  Please don't chop this down! Trees take decades and centuries to grow. They offer us climate resilience!”

Another supporter, Gill Cooper, added: “I believe we need more trees not less. Help future generations by leaving a healthy tree intact.”

Trowbridge Town Council leader Stewart Palme, who has signed the petition, said: “Signed and also talking to Wiltshire Council to see what can be done.”

Wiltshire Council leader Cllr Richard Clewer said: “We are aware of the petition and the concern regarding the impact of the proposals on the tree.

"We are currently working to identify measures that may be taken to reduce this impact. We will provide further updates in due course.

"The current proposals are subject to legal consultation and the information provided so far has been aimed at gathering public feedback through the town council. We are therefore taking all feedback received from the local community on board.”

Wiltshire Council’s consultants AtkinsRealis are looking at proposals to provide improved access to The Halve and Roundstone Street, including Lovemead car park in Duke Street.

They hope to make alterations to the road layout next year as part of broader public realm enhancements using government funds.

Previously, Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “Roundstone Street has been earmarked as a key location for pedestrian improvements in Trowbridge town centre.

“While the work has not yet been scheduled, we anticipate it could start early next year.”

The improvements are expected to complement the ongoing Future High Street Fund enhancement project in Manvers Street.

The council has already completed improvements in Castle Street, the junction of Church Street and Union Street, and in Forer Street and Wicker Hill.