Birmingham City Council is chopping down a one hundred year old tree as part of its new counter-terrorism measures.

The city’s Centenary Square will see the installation of concrete benches which are designed to help prevent terrorist attacks.

These new benches will require deep foundations and so 25 trees, including one that has been there since the 1930s, will need to be removed.

Cllr Ian Ward, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said: ‘The edge of the water feature to be installed in Centenary Square as part of its revamp has been designed as a counter-terrorism measure to provide additional security for this important public space.

‘This will require deep foundations which would affect the tree roots, meaning the tree will need to be removed.

‘We understand the concerns expressed regarding the tree and have looked at every option to retain it, including moving the edge of the water feature forward, but we need the space in the square for the big wheel and ice rink, as well as the Remembrance Day parade.’