CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to axe 41 trees at Clitheroe Castle are writing to the local government ombudsman in a bid to force a council to stop the felling.

A group of around 30 local residents packed Cafe Fresco, in Shawbridge Street, Clitheroe, to form a campaign committee who believe a public consultation should be carried out.

Many were angry that residents had not been consulted of Ribble Valley Council's plans for the castle mount.

One of the campaigners, Jo Harding, said: "You could see from the meeting the strength of feeling among people wanting to save the trees.

"We want proper discussions with the council to discuss alternatives to felling all 41 of the trees. We propose pruning as an option."

Over 1,000 people have signed a petition to halt the council's plans, with over 300 signatures collected by campaigner Sylvia Lofthouse during one two-hour period in the castle grounds.

The meeting heard that Ribble Valley Borough Council contacted English Heritage for permission to fell the trees and have been told that all 41 must only be cut down to their stumps, as the roots must not be removed.

But they must be sprayed with poison so that they will not grow back.

Clitheroe Mayor Coun Mary Robinson, who attended the meeting, said that a plan must be formulated in order to get the council to listen.

John Heap, director of commercial services at Ribble Valley Borough Council, said the removal of the trees - 41 out of 700 - would make the castle keep more visible from all round, restoring the grounds to how they once were.

He added that some of the trees were also damaging the castle's mount, but that the council has plans to plant more in the future.

Last week, unknown campaigners pledged their support to saving the trees with a night-time poster blitz. Trees, fencing and shrubs had been covered in hand made posters with the phrases "What's the point of killing?", "Help us!", and "Trees in Need".

Coun Alan Yearing has also added his weight to the campaign. He said the council decision had been made to remove the trees, but he was objecting as a resident.

The campaign committee is set to meet for the first time tonight to decide on a name and to write to the council to arrange a meeting in a bid to discuss alternative solutions to felling the trees.