SADNESS has been expressed at the felling of a large weeping willow in Otley.

The tree had stood off Bridge Street, beside the now-closed Wharfe View News and Wharfe View Cafe (Dunnies) for decades.

But it was removed last week as part of a redevelopment plan that will also see the closed newsagent and cafe buildings demolished to make way for a 48-flat development.

Campaigners had asked if the tree could be protected as one of the conditions attached to the planning approval granted for the Gladman Developments scheme. But a planning inspector concluded that the willow had suffered significant damage which had left it unsafe “in the medium term”.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) was among those who were sad to see it go.

He said: “It was like losing an old friend. The tree seems to have been there as long as I can remember and I specifically asked the inspector at the planning appeal for the care home to ensure its protection.

“Unfortunately, he would not support the council’s position and allowed the development to go ahead.”

Other residents posted their thoughts online, where Sarah Greenwood wrote: “Noticed the massive tree behind Dunnies is getting chopped down. Such a shame.”

Lynne O’Malley added: “Disgraceful! It is such a beautiful tree.”

Others, though, reluctantly accepted felling was the right decision.

Susan Myers wrote: “Shame to see it go but it was rotten through the middle of it. One large branch fell on Dunnies’ roof ages ago because it was rotten.”

Campaigners last year called on Gladman Developments to come to the town and talk to them about a possible replacement for the popular cafe Dunnies and the adjoining Wharfe View News, off Bridge Street.

Dunnies attracted a large number of cyclists and motorcyclists and has been a landmark since 1925. The campaign to build a replacement was led by resident Ian Adamson, assisted by Lib Dem parliamentary candidate, Greg Mulholland.