LEGAL action could follow after Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the Friends of Whitcliffe Common went ahead with the felling of a healthy oak tree.

The tree has been cut down despite protests from Ludlow Town Council, the three elected Shropshire Councillors and a plea from top international zoologist Dr George McGavin.

A petition against the felling of the oak tree was also signed by more than 100 people.

However, the decision could prove very costly for the directors of the Wildlife Trust and the trustees of the Friends of Whitcliffe Common.

The felling could result in a complaint under the Companies Act in the case of the Trust and the Charity Commission in the case of the Friends of Whitcliffe Common.

A complaint that the directors failed to fulfil their duty to act in the best interest of the trust could leave them personally liable and likewise this could follow a complaint to the Charity Commission in the case of the Friends of Whitcliffe Common.

The fate of the tree was sealed on Monday (January 23) after the go-ahead was given by the Wildlife Trust.

It had been intended to fell two oak trees but, in an attempt at a compromise, the Trust agreed before Christmas than one of them would come down.

As well as possible legal action, the trust and the Friends of Whitcliffe Common face losing membership and donation income.

Planning chiefs from Shropshire Council had refused to put a preservation order on the trees despite describing them as magnificent examples.

Both Shropshire Wildlife Trust and The Friends of Whitcliffe Common were invited to comment about the threat of legal action but had not responded at the time of going to press.