The town at war over 150-year-old oak: Locals chain themselves to trunk in around-the-clock vigils to save tree from the chop - while others demand it's axed because of roots threatening nearby homes

An historic 150-year-old tree is at the centre of a furious row which has split an Essex town in two - and led to 24/7 vigils to protect a 'majestic' monument also accused of potentially ruining locals' homes. They have been alerted to complaints by local homeowners that the tree's roots could play havoc with their properties' foundations, in nearby Clifton Terrace just off Wivenhoe's High Street. The treasured oak tree in the Essex town of Wivenhoe has been threatened with felling by both the local town council and insurance firm Aviva Locals have drawn up battle lines, an man an encampment to stop the tree being cut down Campaigners are battling to protect the tree, which council officials and insurers say is undermining near by homes and needs to be chopped down And businesses have complained the antics of the eco group - which has set up camp in a town's main car park - have led to trade 'dying off'. Pictured is the camp at The King George Oak tree in Wivenhoe, near Colchester in Essex Campaigners, who call themselves 'protectors' say the tree should remain in the town It is feared the tree's roots are undermining the foundation of nearby homes The homes have reportedly suffered from subsidence due to three roots. Pictured is a campaigner standing in front of the oak tree Pictured are some of the homes in the town feared to be under threat from the oak tree 'We don't want anyone’s business to be harmed, we’re within an inch of getting an agreement with the council - all that we are waiting for is for them to get clearance from their insurance company that it's okay to give us a period of time when they say we won’t cut the tree down when we can get out own reports commissioned,' he said.