A battling Wickford man was today celebrating after winning his fight to save two oak trees from the chop.

Ron Simmonds, 69, of Rectory Grove, has been campaigning against a planning application submitted to Basildon Council to site four new homes on land north of Jacks Close, Wickford.

If successful, the application would have allowed removal of two trees to make way for the scheme - even though they are protected by a preservation order.

Mr Simmonds was delighted when Wickford area committee councillors backed his concerns and rejected the plans.

In a statement presented to the council, Mr Simmonds wrote: "Over the past 20 plus years I have been privileged to witness the growth of these oak trees into the mature specimens they are today.

"The trees on this site have survived for some 80 years and are a long established visual amenity much enjoyed by residents.

"These trees were preserved as a visual amenity for Wickford 25 years ago. Having grown even more since then gives further justification for preserving them today."

Mr Simmonds said the trees provide a haven for a whole range of wildlife.

He added: "Four very large dwellings at the bottom of residents' gardens towering above our bungalows instead of trees will destroy the outlook and invade our privacy."

After the meeting, he said was delighted with the decision.

Councillor Malcolm Buckley (Con, Wickford South) said: "This area has lost dramatic numbers of trees.

"To lose these mature oaks would be a loss not just for the area but for the whole town as well."

Bob Norris, who lives in Jacks Close, said: "These two trees provide benefits for wildlife, as well as people living in the area. It would simply be scandalous if planning permission were granted."

Victory - Ron Simmonds has succeeded in saving two oaks from the bulldozers

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.