We had a celebration and the champagne was flowing when we got the news

Matthew Smith, Tree protester

The council has said the tree can stay, but its branches will be cut back, or pollarded.

New trees will replace those which were felled.

Tree campaigner Matthew Smith, one of those protecting the tree, told BBC News Online: "We had a celebration and the champagne was flowing when we got the news about the tree.

"But we wanted more new ones planted, so the protest isn't over."

The protesters have ended the watch in the plane tree, which lasted 10 days.

Mr Smith, who spent about 60 hours up the tree in shifts, said: "It was fine up there, I don't feel bad at all. I've just got a sore throat from shouting."

Four semi-mature London plane trees will be planted around the fountain in Devizes Market Place on Tuesday.

New trees will be planted in the market place

They will be about eight metres in height when they are planted by specialist contractors.

The council said the new trees will be planted between the original tree positions, allowing views of the fountain from around the market place.

The aim is to allow them to grow above the height of the fountain to form a natural frame around the monument.

They will be positioned further from the fountain than the remaining tree, where they will have extra rooting space and not interfere with the old tree.

The new trees will have an expected lifespan of more than 200 years.

Councillor Jerry Willmott, leader of Kennet District Council, said: "I look forward to a greatly enhanced Market Place as the new trees grow to healthy maturity."