Sheila James, 83, hopes that further steps can be taken to protect Clenchwarton’s 100-year-old tree from being axed by parish council

An 83-year-old woman has expressed her frustration after a parish council announced plans to cut down a century-old tree.

Sheila James contacted the Lynn News with hopes of saving a 100-year-old tree that overlooks the Clenchwarton Football Club on Hall Road.

She said there is a “beautiful big oak tree” that Clenchwarton Parish Council allegedly wants to cut down.

"According to them, it's because the roots keep getting trodden on,” she added.

“It’s been there for 100 years – long before any of us – I don’t want it to be cut down, nor do a lot of people, we’re up in arms about it to be honest.”

Last month, a new package was announced by environment secretary Steve Barclay in which the government made a number of pledges to tackle climate change and help people get more access to nature.

One of which was the introduction of new powers that will require local authorities to consult with communities before cutting down street trees.

Under plans first announced in the Environment Act, it is said to empower people to have a greater say in preserving much-loved trees on their streets.

Sheila said: “I think it will be brilliant if the government do something like this because that’s what it’s all about – nature – it’s not just me or other people in the village, it's birds who live in the trees, wildlife.”

At the time of writing, the tree is still standing and it is unclear when it could be cut down, but Sheila hopes that further steps can be taken to protect it.

Clenchwarton Parish Council has been approached for comment.