Villagers fight insurer's bid to fell beloved oak

A MAJESTIC village oak tree planted during the reign of Queen Victoria is set to be felled because it is too close to a modern house.

- Jaya Narain

Insurer Direct Line says the roots are causing cracks in the 1980s home and the 80ft oak must be chopped down to stop more damage.

But outraged villagers in Cowfold, West Sussex, have branded the move "eco-vandalism" and are planning a 24-hour vigil to thwart the tree fellers.

Gabi Barrett, of the Save Cowfold Oaks group, said: "Children have grown up playing beneath it, families regularly picnic in its shade.