A routine inspection of trees in Badshot Lea Cemetery has shown that age and disease has caused a 100-year old Lombardy Poplar to become hollow at its base.

For safety reasons, the 100-foot tree, which is close to the cemetery entrance, will now need to be taken down.

Councillor Carole Cockburn, Lead Member for Cemeteries says: “We are very proud of our trees and as part of a safety audit, every five years we arrange for an expert to carry out a thorough examination of trees on Farnham Town Council land.

“However, having discovered that one of the trees in Badshot Lea has a problem, we are now arranging for a specialist arboriculture company to remove it as soon as possible. We will be looking to plant a suitable replacement at the end of this year.”

The Lombardy Poplar is prone to becoming hollow and age is the main cause of the problem. Last year, a similar sized poplar had to be removed from Gostrey Meadow for the same reason.