Meltham Scuplture Tree faces chop after vandal attack

Aug 27 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ONE of Meltham’s best known local landmarks is at risk from the chop.

The Meltham Sculpture Tree has been infected by a wood rotting fungal disease – and has also fallen victim to vandals.

Now a local councillor is desperately trying to save the tree, which has been part of the village heritage for the past 12 years.

The Sculpture Tree, which is situated outside Meltham CE School in Holmfirth Road, one of the village’s main thoroughfares, has a gaping wound at its base which has been infected with a fungal disease which is attacking the wood and destabilising the tree.

The wound has also attracted the attention of local vandals who have further damaged the tree.

It was moved in 2002 to a secure part of the school grounds.

Clr David Woodhead, Lib Dem member in Holme Valley North, contacted Kirklees Council, which came up with diagnosis and said the tree is now at risk of toppling over.

Clr Woodhead is now trying to find ways for the sculpture to be made safe and to keep it at the heart of the local community.

He said: “It is clear that something will need to be done to stop the damage becoming worse or, at worst, the tree toppling over completely at some point.

“The decay is quite clearly advancing rapidly and without action you could easily see it becoming a health and safety issue for the school.

“It might be that the tree has to be cut down and then set up again somehow.