IT’S the tree or the pub - this is the stark choice laid down by a Dursley pub owner.

Geoffrey Billet wants to see life come back to the Kingshill Inn, he’d actually like it to become a community hub.

But, he says, previous owners have struggled to make the business viable.
So, he has come up with a plan to subsidise the venue with his disability vehicle business.

This sounds like an excellent idea, but Mr Billet now says that a Turkey oak in the grounds is standing in the way of his plans.

And a tree preservation order has been put on the tree, which will now be addressed by a planning committee.

It’s good to know that mature trees can’t be cut down without due consideration. The planning committee will consider all sides, including the value to the community of the tree.

We hope that this matter can soon be resolved, whether by Mr Billet adjusting his plans to work around the tree, or by a decision that the loss of this particular tree is not too serious.