MEMBERS of the Vale of Evesham Civic Society believe replacement trees in Evesham High Street are 'absolutely crucial' to the town's character.

The group has backed plans by Evesham town councillors to ensure new trees are placed in holes already on the street.

A £15,000 grant from Severn Waste Services has already been secured and campaigners have applied for a further £1,000 in funding from the Transport 2000 Trust.

The scheme has been delayed for several months amid fears that it would conflict with the planned regeneration of the High Street. But an unsuccessful funding bid for that project means work is unlikely to start for two years, so Wychavon District Council has backed the tree planting scheme.

Civic Society secretary David Way said: "The trees are all part of the character of the town, and a key one at that. Most trees have been on the High Street a long time and it's absolutely crucial we keep them, and get more if possible. Without them Evesham wouldn't be Evesham.

"I haven't spoken to anyone who wasn't in favour about having the trees - the only people that have reservations are Worcestershire County Council's highways department. But in most cases where the trees will be replanted, there were some there before. If they weren't interfering with services before they are unlikely to do so again."

Town councillor Jo Sandalls, speaking about the scheme at a meeting last Monday, said: "I know it will be a long journey but we really want to get on with it, and the money is there. There is still a lot of work to be done but we have spent hours researching this."

In a letter to Cllr Sandalls, Worcestershire County Council engineer David Lavender warned the cost of the project could exceed the price of the trees. The watering and maintenance of the trees would rest with the town council and it must also meet any alterations to public services, he said.