CAMPAIGNERS have lost their fight to save 12 mature pine trees from being felled at a parsonage in Loftus.

News that the 100-year-old trees in the grounds of Loftus rectory, Micklow Lane, were to be axed by the diocese of York provoked anger among some residents.

About 30 people turned up at a site visit in August to protest against the move and letters of objection were written to the diocese.

But at a meeting of the diocese's parsonages committee last week, members agreed unanimously that the trees must go as soon as possible.

Diocese spokesman Martin Sheppard said the decision followed a survey by an independent arborist who advised removal of the trees, all of which, he said, were suffering various symptoms of poor root stability or poor root form.

Jim Jones, arborist and woodlands officer at Redcar and Cleveland Council, agreed and recommended to the planning committee in July that the remedial work should be carried out.

Mr Sheppard said: "The diocesan parsonage committee noted the agreement of both arborists that removal of the existing trees was necessary for the long-term safety and well being of the rectory, those who live in or visit it, and users of the adjacent road and footway.

"There was no way we could come to any other decision."

He added that, in accordance with the arborists' advice and on the instruction of the council's planning committee, re-planting with birch and elder trees would take place when ground conditions permitted.

The mayor, Coun Eric Jackson, said although he was disappointed, he did have some sympathy with the diocese.

He said: "The parsonages committee was in a difficult situation. When it had the independent arborist and the Redcar and Cleveland expert both giving these trees the death sentence, it was were up against it.

"Losing three or four trees probably would have been acceptable to the residents, but this does seem excessive.

"It is a lovely area and there is no doubt that this will affect that part of the town."

Coun David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, said the loss of the trees would be a great shame. He added: "I think it has soured the relationship between the community of Loftus and the church for a long time to come.

"We seem to be living in a world dictated by the short-term considerations of the insurance industry, who in this case seem to want to make our land a treeless desert."