THE SQUARE in Petersfield could become more pedestrian friendly thanks to campaigners who threatened to chain themselves to trees there to save them from being chopped down.

In the wake of the protest, which also saw hundreds of residents sign a petition calling for the three Maple trees to be spared the axe, local authorities are to discuss a major revamp of The Square.

Its owners, East Hampshire District Council, as well as Petersfield Town Council, The Petersfield Society, tree wardens, Hampshire County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority are to meet in February to draw up a plan for its future.

According to the newly adopted Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan, it could be re-designed to reduce vehicle speeds and make the town centre more pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

The plan’s proposal for the town centre is that a shared space from the railway station at the top of Lavant Street to the war memorial in the High Street is created.

Work to improve the station end of Lavant Street, costing around £250,000, has already been completed.

The neighbourhood plan vision would make an attractive and green town centre for residents, shoppers and visitors, connected to the surrounding countryside of the national park, suggests its authors.

It is expected these concepts will be central to any work done in The Square.

Once a draft design is ready residents will be asked for their views.

After overwhelming pressure to save the trees in The Square – council experts said they had to go because their roots were lifting cobbles and causing a trip hazard – preserving them will be a priority.

The original plan was to replace them with new trees planted in containers, so their roots would grow vertically, rather than sideways under the cobbles.

East Hampshire District Council said as well as better ways to use the town centre, the talks will focus on how to make the area around the trees safer.

In a statement the council added: “Recognising the value people clearly place on them, the group will look first at whether they can be saved or if they need to be felled. No work will be undertaken to any of the trees in The Square until after the public consultation.”

For now, temporary metal safety railings, which were erected in early December, will remain in place around the trees.