JANE Markham claims a democratic right to protest after holding up the felling of two diseased ash trees overlooking a children’s play area at Northallerton for more than an hour (Echo, Oct 31).

An elected local council is a democratic body and Romanby Parish Council’s decision over the removal of a couple of unsound trees is democracy at work.

The engaging of an expert to advise the council is sound common sense. The early removal of a potential danger is essential.

Democratic protest ought to be taken via communication with the elected council, and only within the law.

This woman took direct action, stepping over a safety cordon.

This is not her democratic right. Quite the opposite. In doing so, she delayed what was clearly essential work.

Dozens of people are injured and some killed each year due to falling branches from unsound trees.

Gerard Wild, Richmond, North Yorkshire.