This tree is more important than our phone lines - please don't cut it down

The Monterey Cypress tree, located next to a post box and telephone box in Mudeford, has some BT phone lines running through it, which rub on the tree, causing damage to the cabling.

On Tuesday, Cllr Lesley Dedman from Christchurch Council, who lives in Mudeford, organised a meeting of residents in the hope of 'saving the tree'.

Asked how she felt about the meeting's outcome she said: "I'm very pleased with the turnout. It is the county council that will now take action. The tree is a big landmark and it is in a conservation area.

"It has been hacked about somewhat and seems to be at risk of being felled."

Fellow Mudeford resident, Graham Rogers, wrote a letter to Dorset County Council, which read: "The tree versus the cables has been a long running issue. We run a business from our office here at Mount Pleasant and telephone and broadband disruption have made it difficult for us to operate.

He continued: "The BT/Openreach telephone pole is adjacent to the tree and the telephone cables which go through the trees are constantly being worn out."

He went on to say that the 'ideal solution' would be for BT/Openreach to re-site the pole and cables, however if this is not possible then the tree would have to be removed but should be 'replaced with something more appropriate.'

Steve Maros, arboricultural team leader at Dorset County Council, listened to residents' concerns before saying: "Having looked at the issue in detail, I will come back with a climber who will spray paint the branches which are rubbing the line."

He said that he will ask a member of staff from BT to come and make their own assessments of what action can be taken in relation to the phone lines. Steve Maros added: "He may be able to get some plastic tubing to enable the cabling to run through the tree."

A spokesperson for BT said: "The future of the tree is a council matter, hence it will be for them to decide on what action, if any, is needed."