WROUGHTON locals are dismayed after discovering a popular oddly-shaped landmark has been damaged.

The 'chicken tree', so-called because of its likeness to the farmyard animal, has lost its distinctive look after some branches fell from the tree.

The result is the landmark's poultry-esque silhouette now appears to have been decapitated.

People who travel the Wroughton to Chiseldon route were horrified when they realised the longstanding and much-loved tree, located on the B4005 at Brimble Hill had lost its distinctive look.

The discovery was made yesterday morning with one concerned resident posted on Facebook to ask 'has the chicken tree been beheaded?' accompanied with a picture of the forlorn figure from a distance without its necessary appendage.

People have reacted with dismay about the news.

Nadi Bardy said: "I think we should hold a socially distanced candlelight vigil at the chicken tree for a photo in the Adver to  show Swindon how truly passionate (and mad) we all are here."

Rose Howells added: "I think it should go in the obituaries section, but seriously it made me incredibly angry when I read what happened. The tree was a landmark for when we were close to home after a long journey."

The chicken tree's damage was initially blamed on workers carrying out unpopular roadworks on Brimble Hill and other roads, only serving to further growing anger between residents and contractors.

There have been claims it was cut down intentionally but road workers at the scene at the time said it fell naturally.

Swindon Borough Council has told ward councillor Cathy Martyn an investigation has revealed that it was storm winds that caused the 'head' branch to fall. 

It said: "The branch fell due to high winds and not as a result of the contractors.

“There was a grab lorry adjacent and the branch fell on it.

“Apparently there is a video from the lorry driver to support, and when I receive it I will share it.”

For those who enjoyed seeing the 'chicken tree' on their way home, the profound sadness is perhaps best summed up by the final words of a poem one local wrote in response. 

"Brimble Hill has lost the guide, who marked our journey’s end.

"So goodbye to the Chicken Tree, we won’t forget our friend."