AN axe still hovers over a landmark tree at the heart of Thornton-in-Craven, but it won't fall just yet.

The Love Tree was granted a stay of execution when the village's parish council met last Thursday, but it might only be a temporary reprieve.

As we reported last week, the lime tree, thought to be about 200 years old, was found to be in a poor state and even hazardous when a professional survey was carried out at the parish council's request.

A report from arboricultural consultant Iain Tavendale concluded that the tree, next to the A56, was hazardous in its present condition and set out two options. The first was to reduce it significantly, although it would have to be cut back so much as to be unattractive and would require regular future management.

The second option, favoured by Mr Tavendale, was to fell the tree and replant on the same site with a new lime tree, which would quickly become established as a feature of the village.

Copies of Mr Tavendale's report were circulated to every household in Thornton prior to Thursday's meeting, with a further copy to Craven District Council.

The meeting began with a public question time, where frank views were exchanged on all sides. Some said the tree must be felled now if it posed an imminent danger and that, while regrettable, nothing lasted forever.

Others were keen to retain the tree as a much-loved feature of the village and questioned whether it was really in such a poor state as the report suggested.

Later in the meeting parish councillors discussed the tree as an agenda item, and again differing view were expressed.

It was resolved to seek a second opinion on the state of the tree and, once the results were known, to hold an open meeting where all views could be aired.

Craven District Council has also responded to the report, pointing out that the tree is protected under a Tree Preservation Order and that permission is required to work on it or fell it.

The letter added that although it didn't own the tree, Craven Council should contribute significantly to the cost of removing and replanting, if that proved necessary, due to its high amenity value. Another contribution could be sought from North Yorkshire Highways due to its close proximity to the road.

The tree stands right next to the main A56 road through the village, close to the old post office.

Walled around the base of its trunk, it is one of the village's key features.

It is thought the tree was originally called the Lough Tree (Lough possibly being an old word for lime) and that over the years its name has evolved to the Love Tree.

The parish council is legally obliged to carry out risk assessments on things in its area that could pose a safety hazard and it commissioned Mr Tavendale to carry out a survey. His report made worrying reading, claiming the tree was in poor condition due to a combination of decay, old age and previous undesirable management practices.

In particular, a test drilling near the base of the trunk found only 25cms of solid timber around its circumference, with the centre of the trunk hollow through decay.

The parish council is due to meet again on Wednesday July 23, starting at 7pm in the village hall.