Ballaugh Commissioners to cut down 200-year-old tree due to Dutch Elm Disease

Ballaugh Commissioners say a 200-year-old tree in the village will have to be cut down because it has Dutch Elm Disease. 

However, the local authority is hoping to undertake two projects to commemorate the tree's life - the stump could be carved into a statue and a new native plant will be dedicated to a local hero. 

It says the tree, which is in the play area off Station Road, witnessed the first and last trains into the village, the building of the new church as well as the parish hall.