THE only truly independent report on the trees, commissioned by the council, found the trees to be healthy.

So which of the contradictory reports should we believe? The answer is clear from your correspondent Mr Britton (Letters, October 6). A forester for more than 40 years, he inspected the remains of the first copper beech and said that he had never seen a tree in better condition for its age.

At the best, the council has been duped by the RMBI.

Constance Smith,

St Oswalds Road,

York.

Updated: 09:28 Tuesday, October 12, 2004