CAMPAIGNERS trying to save two London plane trees in the centre of Malvern from the chop have commissioned their own report on the state of the specimens and their suitability for the site from an independent expert.

They have now presented copies of the arboriculturalist's findings to members of Malvern Hills District Council, who are currently reconsidering the fate of the trees, which have become known as the Belle Vue Two.

The saga of the London plane trees on Great Malvern's Belle Vue island started in October last year when the issue of whether they should be retained or felled and replaced by a different species went before Malvern Hills District Council southern area development control committee. The Great Malvern Town Centre Partnership argued they should be felled, while the council's landscape officer and the head of planning and housing Gary Williams recommended they should be kept and protected with tree preservation orders.

The committee backed the town centre partnership's views and decided the trees should be felled. But the decision sparked a huge protest from residents who collected more than 1,000 signatures on a petition asking the district council to reconsider. The council decided to seek guidance from the Forestry Commission but is still waiting for its expert to visit the town.

The campaign organisers have now commissioned Jerry Ross, an arboricultural consultant from Ross-on-Wye, to assess the health, condition and suitability of the trees of their town centre location.

Campaigner Steve Price said: "The council suggested we get our own report and it is very good and straightforward. I have sent it to the council and we are waiting to hear what they think."

Mr Ross's report states: "These are two very well established trees in a very prominent position in the middle of Malvern. No significant health or other defects were identified which might affect their safety.

"One tree has caused some minor and easily repaired damage to the surrounding paved surface. No other influence on nearby structures, retaining wall etc was observed. It is my opinion that London plane is probably one of the most appropriate species for this location."

Mr Ross estimates that the two trees, which are less than perfect specimens, are worth £26,000 and if felled should be replaced with new ones of better provenance.

But he said it was a matter for the local community to judge if the cost could be justified.