The ailing oak tree in Midsummer Place shopping centre could finally be felled – and Citizen readers have been asked to decide what should replace it.

Worried centre bosses are chopping the once mighty oak to almost half its size this summer in a last ditch attempt to stimulate new growth.

But already they are sadly discussing alternatives for the famous centrepiece should the emergency first aid fail.

"We would welcome any suggestions from readers of the Citizen about what to do with this popular area should the worst happen to the tree," said a spokesman.

Experts began investigating the oak's mysterious decline last year. Now they "strongly suspect" the problem is due to waterlogging, something that cannot easily be resolved.

The centre blames heavy rainfall over the past two years but many experts say waterlogged roots are inevitable when large-scale development takes place around an existing tree.

The Midsummer Place spokesman said: "Unfortunately the construction of the centre may have had a effect on the tree.

"We have investigated all possible avenues with the guidance of Milton Keynes Council and various arboriculture specialists in an attempt to reverse the decline."

After the latest tree surgery, the oak will be kept under observation for a few months before the final decision is made.

Centre bosses, already discussing alternatives for the space, are keen to hear suggestions from the public.

One option could be planting another tree directly descended from the Midsummer oak. Currently in Campbell Park there are 40 healthy saplings grown by schoolchildren who collected and planted its acorns.

"We'd like to know whether people think this would be a good thing, or whether they have any better ideas, such as a fountain, sculpture or even a bandstand," said the spokesman.

>>What do you think should replace the tree? Send your views to the Citizen, marked 'Midsummer Place Space' at editorial@mkcitizen.co.uk or by post at Napier House, 2 Auckland Park, Bond Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1BU.