SPARE that tree! That was the cry from many Evesham councillors on Monday who were asked to support town enhancement projects.

Town Centres Manager, Lew Hammond attended the meeting to ask for financial support to make improvements to Market Place, Bridge Street, Abbey Park and Workman Gardens.

Referring to Market Square, in his report to town councillors, Mr Hammond said: "It has been suggested that the large and growing London Plane tree in the middle of the area should be removed and another planted elsewhere.

Councillor John Smith said: "Over my dead body." Coun Frances Smith said: "I cannot agree to that. We spent a long time deciding to plant that tree."

Ideas that did find favour with councillors, however, included rising bollards to deter motorists from driving into the square to access cash points and unauthorised parking in Bridge Street, lighting in Abbey Park and under the arches at Workman Bridge.

Mr Hammond explained to councillors that £30,000 had been allocated for the enhancement projects from the Market Town Partnership, which must attract matched funding, and had to be spent by the end of next March.

He said: "We are about improving the retail health of Evesham. We want to improve the town to attract more businesses and visitors into it."

He said that he was also going to apply to other organisations and businesses for cash to help fund the projects.

Councillors agreed to back the improvements with cash donations totalling £15,100, subject to the final projects being acceptable to councillors.