Protesters hope to save trees in Red Square

Protesters have staged a demonstration to try to stop a council from removing trees from a town square.

Shropshire Council said it wanted to cut down nine cherry trees in Red Square in Oswestry because they have damaged paving and repair work could kill them.

But the trees would be replaced by other specimens, the council said.

Campaigners, who protested in nearby Festival Square, said the trees were beautiful when they blossomed.

They also believe they are a distinctive feature for the town, a spokesman added.

Campaigner Jools Payne has previously met councillors about the plans and said discussions were "constructive".

In a statement, Shropshire Council said to reinstate the damaged paving would harm the trees to such an extent that they would probably die.

The proposed new replacement Golden Rain trees would have attractive foliage and stunning autumn colours.