CAMPAIGNERS have “moved in” onto a platform in Holt Farm Oak Tree in bid to stop it being axed.

Holt Farm Oak Tree has been at the centre of discussion after the mature tree, based on Ashingdon Road in Rochford, is set to be chopped down on Monday.

This is after developer Bloor Homes won its battle to build 662 new homes nearby, and bosses say the tree needs to be removed for a new road layout.

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However, campaigners have taken a step to prevent it being chopped down next week by building a platform and moving in to protect “their tree”.

Save the Holt Farm Oak Tree group posted: “Our tree has bee occupied.

“Last night, a small team of dedicated individuals who value life and nature more than profit, have taken direct action.

“They worked for hours to build and install a platform in our Oak Tree and have moved in.

“All we can say is our tree is part of our community, enough is enough.”

There is due to be a half-road closure on Ashingdon Road to allow for the works to go ahead between Monday, 24 and Wednesday 26.

A spokesman from Bloor Homes said: “Despite having all the relevant permissions to safely remove the tree, we are now faced by obstruction from protestors.

"We are speaking with Essex County Council and Rochford District Council as the tree is on Highways land, and through liaison with Essex Police will be considering our next steps.”