 The tree was on the edge of a new development |
Protesters have lost their fight to preserve a 150-year-old oak tree, which they claim was home to over 1,000 species of plants, insects and animals. The tree in Duffield, Derbyshire was on the edge of a new housing development.
In June, one protester climbed the tree to stop it being felled, but Derbyshire police were present on Friday to prevent a repeat performance.
Campaigners say cutting it down is unnecessary vandalism, but the property developers have refused to comment.
Rotten core
Local resident Ian West said: "I cannot understand how the plans were passed with the tree on it, but now they are allowed to pull it down."
Despite the protest, Miller Homes was within its legal rights to cut down the oak, which one protestor said was home to 1,000 plants, insects and animals.
Protestor Mandy Thompson said: "I cannot believe they have got away with this - I am going to do everything within my power along with the other villagers to stop these people from doing this again in other areas.
One expert said the tree was rotten in its core and would have had to come down eventually anyway.
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