TIME could be running out for two commemorative trees on the old Kidderminster College site as bulldozers prepare to move in.

Lecturer Phil Seaton has stepped up his campaign to save the trees before the high-rise building is demolished and the ground prepared for an estate of 76 homes.

A North American sweetgum, planted in memory of popular pottery lecturer Horace Stanford, and a paper bark maple planted when the college was opened in 1956 are not protected by preservation orders.

"The maple is near the front entrance and the sweetgum is in the quadrangle," said biologist Mr Seaton, a renowned orchid expert. "I don't think either of them are too close to the building. They would look nice in someone's new garden and I'm still hoping they can be saved."

Prowting Homes was originally given planning permission for the Hoo Road site. It has now been taken over by Westbury Homes which will be clearing the site for developers David Wilson Homes.

"We have to take down the building and put the ground back to a suitable condition," a spokesman said. "There will be trees around we can't possibly save because the process is very difficult. It's a brownfield site and a lot of work will have to be done on the ground."

Wyre Forest District Council's head of planning Mike Parker said planning permission had already been given for the layout.

"It would be difficult now to protect the trees, especially as it would be just for sentimental reasons," he said.

Mr Seaton has also suggested some of the streets on the estate could be named after key figures in the college history, such as Mr Stanford, the first principal John Cotterell and long-serving photography lecturer Norris Trout, who was featured in last week's Shuttle/Times and News as the longest-serving member of staff.

Mr Parker said the council would be ready to look at any suggestions on street names.

l If readers have any suggestions on street names write to: Letters Page, Shuttle/Times & News, Blackwell Street, Kidderminster.