Furious campaigners trying to save a 150-year-old tree have spearheaded a fundraising drive as they mull a potential lawsuit against Southend Council.

Southend Tree Action Group is attempting to save the 150-year-old London plane tree in Chichester Road, affectionately called “Chester”.

The tree has received a stay of execution while officers decide if a tree preservation order can be put in place to protect it.

Now the campaign group has stated its intent to launch legal action against Southend Council if attempts are made to axe the tree.

The group is fundraising for £4,000 in an effort to seek legal advice from an “environmental barrister” to go to law.

The tree was originally set for the chop as part of plans to convert the former Churchill’s site in Chichester Road into flats, with campaigners fearing for the tree’s future as it has been cited as a safety risk by the council.

Campaigner Tim Fransen said Southend Tree Action Group remains open to discussion with the council but will be “looking into litigation.”

He said: “We have begun seeking legal advice and in terms of that, we feel it must go down that road now.

“Our fundraiser is for £4,000 at the initial stage and the fundraiser has been launched to find the best way we can pay for this. We are in discussion with an environmental barrister and on the best approach, which does relate to human rights.

“We are looking to challenge the potential decision on Chester, that has been deferred until the end of May, there is a motion going through to full cabinet in June as well to alter the Chichester Road.

“While we do hope this could be resolved without the need for a lawsuit, maintaining the tree is our purpose and we believe that with the expert advice we have received, it would be doable and affordable.”

Mr Fransen also believes the council could “burn money” by removing Chester, which could cost £73,000, it is believed.

“This legal action could have a national impact if it goes to court, it would become case law and set a precedent that it is just unacceptable to cut down trees during a climate emergency,” Mr Fransen said.

Southend Council was contacted for comment.