MORE than 3,000 people have signed a petition to save an ancient oak tree that is over 3,000 years old.

Under plans for the Newtown Bypass the tree’s future appears to be in serious doubt, with one of the proposed routes planned to affect the tree’s current position.

A Facebook page ‘Save The Brimmon Oak Tree’ has been set up with more than 3,000 people now joining the group.

The tree is on the land of Mervyn Jones, who has a host of pictures of his ancestors underneath the tree and has family photographs taken there through the years.

One of the photographs is a family wedding from 1901.

Local ‘Tree Hunter’ Rob McBride is leading the campaign to save the tree, and has posted a host of information on his website to try to stop the tree from being lost to the town.

On his site it says: “There are actually two ancient oaks here at Lower Brimmon. One of them is now under threat from the proposed Newtown A483/ A489 bypass.

“The stunning ancient Welsh Oak trees are relics of a special landscape, a special TreeScape in fact.”

Currently the markers for the bypass are within three to four metres of the Brimmon Oak in the middle of the field here. 

The information online adds: “We are discussing with project contractors for the Welsh Government to ensure that the British Standard BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction is adhered to here and the tree is given at least the minimum recommended 15 metres (from tree trunk) distance for any works to be carried out. 

“There should be proper fencing installed around the tree during all works at the site.”