Wiltshire locals fear 'fowl play' is afoot after a chicken-shaped tree was decapitated despite being a village landmark for 20 years.

The so-called roadside ''Chicken Tree'' in Wroughton was dubbed the village's 'Angel of the North' before it was left only with a body and tail.

Residents suspect Swindon Borough Council contractors, who were carrying out work on the closed A road immediately opposite B4005 Brimble Hill, home of the Chicken Tree.

Villager Steve Bessent said the journey along the B4005 will "no longer be the same".

He said: "The local landmark 'Chicken Tree' has been disfigured, whether by accident or design we may never know.

"More than just a tree, it acted as our farewell and welcome home, a friend stood on the roadside waiting for the smiling faces to pass by.

"Not all landmarks are made of steel or stone, some are provided by nature, perhaps these above all, we cherish the most.

"With its head removed, it will be a constant reminder of how one thoughtless act or force of nature can affect so many people."

Former long-term Swindon Borough Council leader Rod Bluh, who lives in Wroughton, said it was a "very sad loss" and hopes it will regrow into the shame shape.

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Locals and councillors launched an investigation after becoming concerned the workers had deliberately chopped the chicken's head off.

But in a statement, the council claimed the head fell off naturally.

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."

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman confirmed that the branch had fallen due to nature and was unconnected to the work being carried out by the contractors.

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