A large tree that caught fire in a Bucks town will be cut down 'in the interest of public safety'.

Buckinghamshire Council said a large mature tree near Pound Lane in Marlow which caught on fire on August 17, prompting a closure of the surrounding areas, will be cut down due to the 'risk it poses to residents'.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said the tree was in a state of “managed decline” before it caught fire and had been regularly tested and monitored by the council due to its fungal decay and a large visible cavity in its stem.

He added that specialist tree consultants had been engaged to help the council decide on the most appropriate course of action. 

Mr Broadbent said: “There remains considerable uncertainty about the long-term health of the tree and the risk it would pose to residents and the many visitors to Marlow.

"It is not possible to guarantee the safety of the tree, which would be more vulnerable during periods of extreme weather, so on that basis, the council has reluctantly made the decision to remove the tree in the interest of public safety.

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“Given its size, removal will be a significant operation, requiring power lines to be switched off, a large crane and a number of workers to safely fell and remove the tree. 

“Currently, we expect works to be completed by mid-September but will confirm when we have more detailed information.

“The Council will be planting a replacement tree in a nearby location this autumn/winter.”

Michael New OBE, a longtime resident and trustee of The Marlow Society, previously told the Free Press that if the “heritage tree” was cut down, it would join other “magnificent specimens” also recently felled in the town, signalling a wider threat to urban trees.

A spokesperson for Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said the tree fire had not been referred to Thames Valley Police as suspected arson but was logged as accidental, though further details have not yet emerged.