Estimated to be 150 years old, the horse chestnut on the Kine Croft in Wallingford has been monitored for years by arboriculture specialists, who reported more recent signs of disease despite previous pruning. Having applied for permission, South Oxfordshire District Council has now let tree surgeons get on with the job of chopping it down. Wallingford Town Council said: "It is with real sadness that we share our intention to remove the historic Horse Chestnut tree on the Kine Croft. The council added: "Although the loss of such a mature tree can never truly be replaced, Wallingford Town Council is committed to planting a replacement tree on the Kine Croft. "While it will take many years to mature, we hope it will become part of the lives of future generations, just as the Horse Chestnut has been for so many people today."