THE future of a Monmouth landmark is going to live on, after months of wrangling.

A third report into the condition of the Catalpa tree in St James' Square was commissioned by the Monmouth Action Group and Monmouth Archaeology Group, which has concluded that the tree could be saved if certain measures were undertaken.

Dr David Lonsdale, a renowned aborist, stated that the risk to people and property posed by the tree could be reduced by a combination of lopping the crown and propping the main infrastructure of the tree.

The report has been passed to Monmouthshire County Council, who are immediately investigating the possibilities of carrying out this remedial work, in full consultation with Monmouth Town Council and the Action Group.

It is possible that this work could be funded from money that has already been set aside for the felling of the tree and the purchase and planting of a new tree.

The Action Group have been congratulated by the County Council on the extensive work done on the risk assessment undertaken by Dr Lonsdale. The report concludes that the current risk is higher than would normally be regarded as acceptable.

But the risk could be reduced by the recommended remedial work. In the opinion of the expert, the value of the tree is such, that the cost of future inspection and possible tree work seems justifiable.

The Catalpa tree in Monmouth is regarded as of special value because of its girth, and is believed to be one of the oldest trees of its type in the UK. However, the report does warn that the condition of the tree will eventually deteriorate to a stage when its retention might no longer be technically practicable, irrespective of cost.

Both Monmouthshire County Council and the Action Group are pleased that there seems to be a way forward that could reduce the risk and give this marvellous old tree a chance to recover and regenerate.