FOURTEEN trees at Clitheroe castle have been saved from the chop after council leaders bowed to pressure over their controversial felling policy.

But a protesters group celebrating the change of heart today reinforced its criticism of the authority for axing other trees on the site.

Ribble Valley Borough Council agreed the removal of more than 20 'dangerous' trees in October to improve views to and from the castle keep.

The move prompted a two-day protest from members of STOMP -- Save our Trees on the Mount Please --- and local residents who objected to the scheme.

And last month town councillor Brigid Hardwick branded the work "unrelievedly grim" and called for it to be halted until the town could "absorb the impact of what has already been done."

Original proposals set out three phases of work to remove 41 trees from the castle keep, with a public consultation held after the first phase to discuss future work.

But after the discussion period, which was extended to Friday after Clitheroe Town Council complained it was given too little time to look at the proposals, council officials have decided the second phase to remove seven more trees will be the last.

Four sycamores, two beeches and an ash tree are expected to be felled next week.

The council's director of commercial services John Heap said: "Once the first phase of the project was complete, the council's community committee felt that there should be further consultation. Since then, we have received a number of letters from individuals, a petition and responses from Clitheroe Town Council, Clitheroe Civic Society and Ribble Valley Tourism Association.

"As might be expected, the responses covered a range of views, with arguments being out for and against any further work.

"Having reviewed those responses in consultation with the chairman and shadow chairman of the community committee, I have concluded that the original proposal to remove up to 41 trees could not be supported. "However, the original objectives of improving views of and from the castle keep and of removing any trees which may be dangerous remain." Jo Harding, speaking on behalf of STOMP, said: "This is very good news. It does show the council is at last prepared to listen to the views of others and change their minds if it feels the arguments against the scheme are strong enough.

"We are not happy with the what has already happened, but at least it has now made the change.

"Public opinion has saved those 14 trees."

The council has set aside money to improve facilities and to restore the castle grounds, with the project including improvements to paths, tree planting, landscaping and the Castle Museum.