CONCERNS have been raised that a tree planted in memory of the Holocaust could die as building work is carried out at an Andover school. 

The Holocaust Memorial tree was planted at Winton Community Academy in 2005 by Barbara Stimler, a Holocaust survivor who spoke of her life, imprisonment and escape on several occasions at the school. The tree received a plaque in 2007.

The school is due to start building work in September and the new buildings will mean that the memorial tree will be affected.

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A concerned parent of one of the children at the school said: "I understand that the school has made enquiries about moving the tree, but has been advised that it is unlikely to survive a move.

"As a parent of a pupil at Winton and friend of the now retired humanities teacher who arranged for Barbara to talk to the pupils and plant the tree, we were assured that a preservation order would protect the tree from any future building works. 

"The tree is a living memorial to the experience of a holocaust survivor, and I think it's wrong and inconsiderate to cast the tree aside as it has been."

A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said: “The council is aware of the significance of the Holocaust memorial tree, which is a semi-mature Mountain Ash tree, on the site of Winton Community Academy and near a planned new building.

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"There are strict conditions in the planning approval regarding tree protection during construction which the team will ensure are fully implemented. To further protect the tree and reduce the current heavy footfall around its base, the team proposes to relocate it as soon as possible. 

"The position for relocation is to be agreed with the new headteacher and the family of Barbara Stimler. The process of relocating the tree will be undertaken in late autumn, following the leaf drop, to ensure the tree is dormant and therefore has the best opportunity to thrive.

"The plaque for the Holocaust memorial tree will also be reinstalled in a prominent position next to the tree in its new location.”

The Advertiser has contacted Winton Community Academy for comment.