Otley bridge: Battle steps up with Red Rebels' display to save ancient oak tree
A battle to save a threatened oak tree has brought dramatic theatre scenes to a West Yorkshire market town after campaigners tied a yellow ribbon around its ancient frame.
The 180-year-old tree, known as the Tittybottle Oak in Otley, was set to be felled just days ago to make way for nearby bridge repairs. But campaigners, forming a human shield, have been granted a stay of execution until Tuesday and, with striking displays and street theatre, they now demand a rethink.
There are alternative options that must be explored, they argue, saving millions which could be ploughed into community ventures instead.
Dr Nicola James, a molecular biologist who is among locals leading the campaign, said demonstrations showed the strength of support to save the tree.
"There is an alternative solution to this, we just need to think a bit harder," she said. "We can't just accept the casual loss of the tree. We are taking a stand."
Leeds City Council announced in August that the oak was to be felled to clear a working space for bridge repairs and piling, with a crane needed to lift sections into place.
The ancient bridge, crafted from stone and aged almost 800 years old, links two halves of the historic town over the fast-flowing River Wharfe. But a walkway for pedestrians was added in the 1950s and it is this which has fallen into disrepair; unless urgent action is taken, authorities warn, it will be forced to close.
The plan is to create a temporary footbridge while repairs are carried out on the main bridge, but campaigners have questioned a £2m outlay for just £1m of works.
Instead, meeting with MP Katie White, they have called for other options to be explored such as a temporary lane closure on the existing bridge to create a single lane of traffic. They have also demanded the planning process be reviewed.
Leeds City Council insists all such options have been looked at, and traffic restrictions in the town centre would be "too disruptive".
There were dramatic displays on Sunday as activist arts group the Red Rebels, aligned with Extinction Rebellion, wound their way to the ancient oak.
Here, before a crowd gathered despite the storm, there was street theatre, poetry readings, and song. Campaigners include local families, scientists, a former bridge builder and concerned residents. For seven days, they have shielded the tree.
As campaigners thanked the strength of the community, for bringing together such a focused effort in a short space of time, they have pledged to do all they can to protect it. Already, within two days, an online petition has been signed by nearly 2,000 people.
Sarah Mumford, another campaign lead, said the strength of feeling was enormous.
"We've had offers of support from all over," she said. "People are really genuinely passionate about this.
"People say 'it's just one tree', but then 'it's just one rainforest',” she added. “If everybody says it, then there are no trees, and we're already on our way to wiping out the rainforest. Without them, our climate goes into even more chaos than it is now."
To back the petition visit search Tittybottle Oak on 38degrees.org.uk.