WORK has begun on removing a “dangerous” beech tree from the Plas grounds in Machynlleth.

The tree, which is believed to have been one of the oldest in Wales, was badly damaged during high winds, causing a large section of it to coll­apse.

That left Machynlleth Town Council having to decide whether it needed to remove the remaining part of the tree for safety reasons, with an expert’s report saying that was the only way to ensure the tree did not collapse.

The beech tree, which stood on the lawn at Y Plas, had been badly affected by Ganoderma Australe fungus, leaving the council with no other option but to look at felling the remaining part of the tree.

Mayor Richie Gaskell said: “We’re all sad to see the tree come down, but we have to look at the big picture and also ensure the health and safety of everyone who uses the grounds.

“We’re left with no choice but to make it all safe.”

The council currently does not have a date for when the felling work will start, but work on removing the fallen timber began on Tuesday, 10 July, with the public asked to stay away from the area to allow the work to be carried out.

While it had been hoped that the timber could be used to create a memorial or sculpture, that has not been possible because of the level of rot in the tree.

However, a town council spokesperson added: “It is hoped that any remaining sound wood can be used for local community projects."

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