TREES have always been among my best friends.This affinity prompts concern for one in Blossom Street; yes, Blossom Street, York, near the Odeon Cinema. Ironically, it seems either seriously retarded - or simply dead when compared with the vigorously leafy specimen (oak?) in the grounds of St Leonard's Hospice. True, this one, along the same track, is farther south; but not all that much nearer palmy climes. Is there a tree doctor in the city?

Ron Willis,

The Cottage,

Priory Street, York.

Updated: 10:35 Thursday, June 24, 2004