as posted here

Tree man ready for Christmas Day vigil

LEE RONDGANGER, The West AustralianDecember 15, 2009, 7:15 am

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WA NEWS / Astrid Volzke ©

Thornlie man Richard Pennicuik, who has been living in a gum tree outside his home as part of a one-man protest to stop the council from cutting it down, said he planned to spend Christmas in the tree.

"It is not something I want to do, but I will if I have to," a defiant Mr Pennicuik said yesterday.

Mr Pennicuik, 57, who was preparing to spend his eighth night in the tree, turned down another offer by the City of Gosnells for a private meeting to end the feud yesterday.

"I don't want a private meeting with them," he said. "This is not the Dark Ages, if they want to talk they can come right here and we can have a chat. I am not going to be bought."

Mr Pennicuik took up residency in the tree last Monday in a last-ditch effort to save the tree.

Bill Beckenham, who lives in the area, said he was concerned for people's safety if the tree was not cut down.

"If a car passed by and a tree fell on it, people could be seriously injured," he said. "I don't support what he is doing."

Therese Keeley, 21, and her sisters Laura and Elise travelled from Mt Claremont to deliver a plate of cupcakes to show their support.

Mr Pennicuik said he would only come down the tree if the council gave him a commitment in writing that it would be saved.

as posted here