Hope for fairytale ending after landmark tree becomes 'dangerous' and is chopped down
Villagers have said goodbye to a once large, luscious oak tree, but hope its fairy house transformation 'enhances the village'.
A tree which stands outside the Prince Albert pub on the roundabout linking the A449 and Enville Road in Wall Heath,was chopped down after tree surgeons deemed it unsafe due to rot.
The tree was described by residents as being 'full of memories' and a 'landmark of the community'.
One local resident, Cassie Gray, said: "Everyone knows the tree, especially because of what was around it – during lockdown, local children would decorate rocks and leave them at the tree for others to find them. Every event we held here, like Christmas and Halloween, involved the tree, whether we were decorating it or putting things around it.
"Now, another local resident named Leslie Arrowsmith will make it into a fairy house, and it will look beautiful – he has put his heart and soul into it."
Michelle Preston, who runs the Wall Heath Village People community group, said branches started falling off the tree and she thought it best to appoint a tree surgeon.
"They asked me if I'd like the stump to be sculpted, but it would've cost thousands and we just don't have the funds for that," Michelle said.
"So instead, we have decided to make it into a proper fairy tree with a roof. The council are coming to make sure the roof is secure, and we are very appreciative of their help.
"I believe this will really enhance the village, and make something that was unsafe safe again."
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