I have now spoken to members the Bretton Parish council they also are of the opinion that this decision is wrong. They are going to raise the issue at a council meeting at the Pyramid centre on Tuesday 27th at 7.30. please feel free to come along.

There is no guarantee that the removal of the tree will solve the settlement problem with the house. ONLY THAT IT WILL REMOVE THE COUNCIL'S RESPONSIBILITY or liability to future claims! The council's own report states there is no root damage, no damage to drains or services. It is that they are of the opinion that the tree is taking moisture from the soil which is causing the soil to expand and contract as the moisture level changes. A lot of houses including mine have settlement cracks due to being built on clay soil. Not all of us have a tree to blame though! 

If the council are liable or responsible for anything it is by granting planning permission to build on unsuitable land, that won't go away with the removal of the tree!

The original builders did not build on this land maybe because they thought it was unsuitable medium term and they no doubt would have to give a 25 year guarantee on their buildings?

From what I can see from the pictures provided in the council's report the settlement is minor and confined to an outside wall possible of the conservatory it is certainly not a case of the house breaking in half! 

SO THE COUNCIL WANT TO FELL THE OLDEST TREE IN BRETTON with a TPO AS A PRECAUTION! And because it will cost less to repair the house. No-one who has made this decision lives here and will have to live with the consequences of their actions. We have lost two other ancient trees within yards of this one already in recent years WHEN WILL THIS VANDALISM STOP! 

I have asked our local councillor Lynn Ayres for help but she is not interested all I got was excuses and reasons in the council's favour I am not surprised to be honest she doesn't live around here. I will be making my feelings known during the next council election. These people forget we elect them we pay their wages then they patronise us and do nothing!  

If there hadn't been objections the council would have built on South Bretton playing fields by now and we would have lost them. Something now which people come for miles to use and enjoy. Bowling and football to name just two.

This goes to show the council can be stopped when they are wrong and future generations get to enjoy the amenities . Don't let a few short sighted lazy people who take their wages and then do nothing or make the wrong decisions with no recourse to their actions carry on.

Don't forget if it hadn't been for objections and Councillor Sanders stepping in with his own money WE WOULD HAVE LOST THE LIDO ! 

Please make some noise! let us stand up for what matters this tree has survived for hundreds of years!