AN “iconic” tree in a historic dale village is to be felled despite protests. The Scots pine on Low Green in Romaldkirk is a risk to life and limb, say the parish council which applied to have it removed late last year after saying it was now leaning more and noticing a large split. The county council’s tree officers raised no objection. However, Romaldkirk householders Nick Donald and Zoe Kroon say the huge tree has always lent towards to the south. They say a photo taken by pioneering Victorian photographer Francis Frith shows that tree is in the same position. Ms Kroon said: “The tree has always leaned. You can take a photograph at the same camera angle and it’s the same, albeit with more foliage.