Protestors have also been demonstrating outside the garden centre with ‘Save Our Trees’ banners (Picture credit, 'Save Tickhill's Trees, Facebook page).

An online petition launched against a plan to remove a pair of historic lime trees at Cherry Lane Garden Centre in Tickhill, near Doncaster, has attracted 2,327 signatures so far.

QD Commercial Holdings, which runs the garden centre was initially denied permission by councillors to remove the 128-year-old lime trees. But that decision was overturned by a government planning inspector after an appeal. The company says the trees need to be cut down as they block access to the delivery yard.

But protestors are up-in-arms about the planning inspector’s decision and have been demonstrating outside the garden centre with ‘Save Our Trees’ banners as well as tying red ribbons around the threatened trees.

An online petition headlined ‘Halt the Removal of Historic Lime Trees at Tickhill's Local Garden Centre’ has also drawn widespread support.

One of the protestors, Claire West, started the petition on change.org. She said: “For the residents of Tickhill, South Yorkshire, the avenue of lime trees planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee is not just a row of trees. These lime trees hold deep historical significance, reflecting our Victorian values celebrating beauty, community pride, and the importance of maintaining green spaces. They have stood tall for over a century, becoming an iconic part of our town's landscape.

“However, this cherished avenue is now at risk. Approval has been given to remove some trees by the garden centre despite significant public outcry and serious questions related to potential conflicts of interest surrounding the decision. This plan disregards the symbolic significance of these trees, their ecological role, and the desires of the local community.

“It can be replaced, but something similar in age and historical value can never be reinstated immediately. It's a loss that the coming generations would be deprived of, a stern tussle with their community legacy.

“We plead with the council and enforcement agency to reconsider this decision. Too often in our opinion, the interests of the few seem to outweigh the rights and longings of the many. We want to see this pattern take a different turn this time.

“We must protect our heritage, respect our green spaces, and listen to community voices. Please, help us in our cause. Sign this petition and let's stand up for our ground and our trees.”

The online petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/halt-the-removal-of-historic-lime-trees-at-tickhill-s-local-garden-centre