A villager's campaign to save three trees planted more than 50 years ago has attracted hundreds of signatures on a petition.

Melissa, who has asked that her surname be withheld, is concerned for the survival of the trees on land known as the Triangle where Hallfieldgate Lane meets Main Road in Shirland.

She said: “On the agenda for the parish council meeting in October there was no mention of felling of the trees, only maintenance for the trees. That changed within the meeting – locals wouldn’t have had any idea that cutting them down was going to be put on the table.

"I heard about this a couple of weeks ago and thought how can I deal with this, how can I make it stop? I thought about the song 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon around the Ole Oak Tree’ so I went out and ordered some ribbon to go around all three trees, took a photo of the trees and publicised it to the community.”

The three trees on Shirland Triangle which have prompted a resident to launch a petition to protect.

placeholder image — The three trees on Shirland Triangle which have prompted a resident to launch a petition to protect.

The strength of feeling spurred Melissa into setting up a petition. She said: "I was contacted by a lot of people. The response has been amazing. We've well over 800 signatures now and it's just over a week.

"I've also requested a Tree Preservation Order to North East Derbyshire District Council and I believe there is an inspector coming out at some point.”

Melissa, who has lived in Shirland for four years, said that the ‘absolutely beautiful’ trees were planted as part of the ‘Plant A Tree in ’73’ initiative and should be celebrated. She said: “Rather than cutting them down we need to be doing a commemorative plaque for the WI ladies who planted them.”

The Derbyshire Times reached out to Shirland and Higham Parish Council for a comment. The clerk, Helen Dowson, replied on November 6, stating: “At the parish council meeting that took place on October 16, 2025 councillors voted in favour of obtaining quotations for the felling of the trees on Shirland Triangle. During the discussion it was suggested that a Christmas tree could be planted in this area but no vote was taken on this. The parish council are aware that a petition is in circulation. ”

Cllr Mike Roe, chairman of the parish council, said in a Facebook post published on November 2: “No final decision has been made regarding the potential felling of any of the trees whether this be one, two, three or none at all. The only decision taken at the parish council meeting on October 16 was to obtain quotes from three companies for possible future work which is why you may have seen contractors on site looking at the trees to help them prepare the quotes. This is simply part of the information gathering process and does not mean any action has been approved.

“It is important to note that the council's conversations have been exploratory only. One idea emphasised as only a discussion point was that, if a tree were to be removed, it could be replaced with a purpose planted Christmas tree. This would provide a central focal point during the festive season, creating a more appealing display for residents and for those passing through Shirland.

“I wish to dispel any rumours suggesting that felling work has already been approved or is underway as this is not the case. The parish council remains committed to open communication and will continue to consult with residents before any decisions are made.”

Melissa will present the petition and a speech at the next meeting of the parish council on November 20. She said: "I'm concerned that the trees will be removed. They shouldn't have been on the agenda. There are more important things that we need to be concentrating on as a community such as making the area more of a green space rather than being built up.”