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Local historians are working with experts at Leeds Metropolitan University to investigate claims that the trees in Beckett Park, part of the LMU campus, were planted to represent the positions of troops during the Battle of Waterloo by a 19th-century philanthropist.

Andy Bowles, a senior history lecturer at LMU, said the original plans may have been devised by John Marshall, a mill owner and "Leeds worthy", as part of the city's victory celebrations.

Great care will now be taken to ensure that the design is preserved, according to Peter Griffiths, Beckett Park's grounds maintenance manager.

"Any trees that need to be replaced will be planted in exactly the same positions, just in case the reports are true," he said.