The ill-fated Plasterers Arms pub in Marston Road, Oxford, which is now flattened, had a mature tree beside it, fir trees and shrubs.

They were under a tree preservation order and signed. I have seen the order.

But the tree has now seen the chainsaw and no longer exists, along with the other trees.

City councillor Mary Clarkson said in her letter (Oxford Mail, September 10): "Our tree workers as not gormless lumberjacks and great thought is given to tree decisions in full consultation with the public."

It's not the lumberjacks who are in question. They are doing their job. It's those who are giving the orders, sweeping aside public opinion and getting over obstacles like preservation orders and conservation areas.

Those who were concerned in the Plasterers Arms planning issue were not consulted about tree felling on the site.

Our notification was the sound of chainsaws.

Robin Spokes

Bath Street

St Clement's

Oxford