Why are 7,000 people fighting to save 'royal' lime trees?

Thousands of people have signed a petition to save lime trees from being cut down in their part of Lancashire. The trees on Victoria Road in Walton-le-Dale, Preston, were planted more than a century ago. The Environment Agency (EA) is proposing to fell 18 of the 21 trees on Victoria Road. While the plans have been approved by South Ribble Borough Council, campaigners have applied to seek permission for a judicial review. The 'royal' limes line the River Ribble opposite the Yew Tree Pub in Walton-le-Dale. They were planted in 1912 to commemorate the coronation of King George V. John Hull, one of the campaigners fighting to save them, explained: "The trees form part of the heritage of the area - they are part of Walton‑le‑Dale's identity and part of our landscape. "There are of historical importance and they are known locally [and] affectionately as the royal limes or the 21 gun salute." It wants to cut the trees down to make way for flood defences as part of the multi-million pound Preston & South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme. It said due to the density and spread of the limes' root systems and their proximity to the required working area, it was not feasible to retain them.