A FRUIT tree planted at the Chestnut Close play area in Wellington has mysteriously vanished.

Wellington Town Council recently planted an orchard of 12 fruit trees at Chestnut Close, but no sooner had the planting been done and the number of trees had reduced to 11.

The council’s climate change project officer, Stephen Tate, brought up the issue at the authority’s environment committee on April 22.

“We planted 12 trees at Chestnut Close, but sadly now only 11 remain,” he said. “Some people had said that one of the trees would grow into a giant. That is the tree that has now gone missing.”

Committee chairman, Cllr Mike McGuffie, said: “We best not speculate on what happened.”

While Cllr Keith Wheatley quipped: “I suggest we replace the missing tree by planting an even bigger tree.”

Councillors were told that more than 600 trees had been planted over the past winter throughout the town.

Four urban tiny forests were planted at Priory Play Area, Burrough Way, Oakfield Park and Howard’s Way, while two school tiny forests were planted at Isambard Kingdom Brunel Primary School and Court Fields Secondary School.

Further trees were have been planted at Monmouth Gardens, Popham Sheltered Housing, Parker Close Play Area, Gay Close, Howard Road, the town centre, The Basins, Chestnut Close Play Area, Birchs Hill Play Area and the Priory, while a further 50 trees were given away to members of the public.

Mr Tate said that a tree planted at Howard Road had, unfortunately, been stolen.

Councillors agreed to spend £500 on providing compost and mulch for some of the areas where new trees have been planted along with a further £200 to replace the stolen tree at Howard Road along with a rail to protect it.