A TREE regarded as a ‘notable landmark’ has been felled due to root decay.

Bob Ball, from Launceston, said he believes the beech tree by the Springer Spaniel country pub, was ‘probably the biggest tree anywhere you will find on the A388’.

He added: “It was such an iconic landmark on that road. It’s been there for centuries probably.” But he said he had no issue with the tree being felled, as he understood it was due to bracket fungus.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “This tree was felled at the request of the Highway Authority as it was considered to be an unacceptable risk to highway users because of its condition.

“Although an old and notable landmark tree, the root system was infected by a serious root decay fungus, Meripilus giganteus. It is extremely difficult to assess the extent of root decay but its presence can indicate a significant risk of whole tree failure and, on this occasion, it was considered by Cornwall Council that the risk of significant harm was unacceptable.”