THE final surviving historic tree in Devizes Market Place will come under the axe on Wednesday unless the town makes one last effort to keep it.

Kennet District Council claims the tree, which survived the last early morning purge in October thanks to the quick action of a hotel worker, must come down.

Thousands of people showed their support for the trees by staging a round-the-clock protest. They did not leave the tree unguarded until its short term future at least was guaranteed.

Kennet has promised this time to carry out the felling during normal working hours. It will be interesting to see what reception the workmen receive and if the council leaders are in attendance.