Fury over historic 80ft oak tree planted during the reign of Queen Victoria being felled... because it's too close to modern home

A historic 80ft oak tree planted during the reign of Queen Victoria is set to be felled because it is too close to a modern home. We will do everything in our power to protect this tree.’ This historic 80ft oak tree planted during the reign of Queen Victoria is set to be felled Residents of Acorn Avenue in Cowfold, Sussex, battle to save their beloved oak tree Cowfold resident Gabi Barrett, pictured, said: 'To the people of this village, this tree means so much' She said the tree was at the heart of their community and residents had even got engaged under it. David Marshall, 70, said: ‘Isn’t it a cruel irony that the house affected is on Acorn Avenue and this residential area is named Oakfield Estate after the very oak trees the place is known for.’ Resident and parish councillor Joanne Knowles added: ‘If the tree is cut down it would be a huge loss to this community.’ Residents say the fight is not over and are now planning to hold a 24-hour vigil to prevent tree fellers moving in. ‘However, the council is not in a position to accept financial liability for privately owned trees in cases such as this one.’ Insurance firm Direct Line claims tree roots are causing cracks in a nearby property It has been decided that the tree will have to be chopped down to prevent further damage to the property From left to right: David Marshall, Anna Mercer, Joanne Knowles and Gabi Barrett stand in front of the tree The tree has been at the heart of their community and residents had even got engaged under it Residents say the fight is not over and are now planning to hold a 24-hour vigil to prevent tree fellers moving in Villagers have branded the move ‘eco-vandalism’ and vowed to do ‘everything’ in their power to save the tree Cowfold Parish Council initially opposed the felling of the tree but this week voted to allow the felling after receiving an ecology report from the insurers. In a statement, the parish council said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that the parish council announces the reluctant withdrawal of our objection to the felling of an oak tree situated on parish council land.’ Direct Line said: ‘Cowfold Parish Council has made their decision regarding how to proceed with the ongoing issues caused by an oak tree situated on its land, whose roots are causing subsidence to our customer’s home.