March 2, 2001 9:39: COUNCILLORS debated whether to keep a sycamore tree near a beauty spot in Marlow after officers said it should be saved.

A council officer spent two hours, at a cost of £60, compiling a report recommending that the tree, situated near Marlow Bridge, should be preserved.

But councillors were worried that the large tree would be a danger to nearby houses and block out the light to homes.

At a planning applications panel of Wycombe District Council last Thursday Cllr Doug Anson (Lib Dem, Marlow South) said: "I have a problem with this order. I think we should oppose it.

"I think it is not only a danger to the buildings but it completely cuts out the light into a flat.

"I think we should have it removed and replaced with a different tree."

Cllr John Dalton (Ind, Wooburns) said he had no objection to the tree being removed but that it may prove difficult because of technicalities.

"I certainly would note the bridge would benefit from something like a beech tree near the road. We would agree it is in the wrong place."

Cllr David Fieldhouse (Con, Bowerdean and Daws Hill) said: "I think we need a tree there but that one is far too close to the building."

After more than 20 minutes of debate, councillors voted not to confirm the tree preservation order but to offer assistance to the residents to put in a replacement.