AN Alcester couple have lost a bid to remove two large trees from their garden following a campaign by neighbours.

David and Jane Bowen were objecting to a tree preservation order placed on the silver birch and western red cedar by Stratford Council because, they say, they are causing damage to their property and potential problems for nearby houses in Priory Road.

But neighbours disagreed and won the backing of Alcester Town Council, who agreed with an expert's findings there was not enough evidence to support Mr and Mrs Bowen's claim.

A report submitted to the district council's west area planning committee concluded: "Both of the trees are substantial specimens and have high public amenity value. The evidence is inconclusive and cannot be used as sound evidence to necessitate the removal of either tree."