A 150-YEAR-OLD tree planted to commemorate the completion of Kendal Green has been cut down.

The 60ft oak, which stood in the centre of the green, was affected by a fungal disease earlier this year and South Lakeland District Council made the decision to remove it.

Known as the Shakespeare oak, the tree was named to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the playwright’s birth and because Shakespeare mentions the green in his play Henry IV Part I.

John Coopey, co-author of The History of Kendal Green, lives opposite the former tree’s site.

He said: “It’s a real shame that it died as it was part of our common history and everyone thought it was an important symbol of the Kendal Green’s beginning.”

Mr Coopey said more than 1,500 children from the local area were present at the planting ceremony held on 25 April, 1864.

The tree’s old spot won’t be vacant for long. There are plans to plant more trees including at least one new oak.

South Lakeland District Council will consult people whose homes back on to the green before work begins.

Meanwhile, the original Shakespeare oak will live on. A 15ft piece of the trunk is being offered to local playgroundsand ouncil bosses hope it could be used for children to play on.