CAMPAIGNERS are continuing to face off with developers on the day a beloved tree is set to be axed.

The Holt Farm oak tree is set to be cut down today as part of Bloor Home’s plans to build 662 homes in Ashingdon Road, Rochford.

For several months, campaigners have been desperately pleading with the developer and Rochford Council to save the tree without success.

Since Thursday night, campaigners have been living on a platform in the tree with some on the ground and have vowed to stay there “until the very end”.

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The developer placed an additional fence around the tree and protesters on Friday.

The tree is due to be axed down today, but protesters have continued their face off.

Leanne Dalby, from the group Save the Holt Farm Oak Tree, said: ““Our tree is part of our community, enough is enough.

“Get yourselves down here and defend out tree and your community.

“We demand an urgent review and second opinion.

“We won’t admit defeat until it is really over.

“It is heartbreaking as this tree belongs to us, they could have worked around it, instead they have chosen to destroy it, it is madness.”

There is due to be a half-road closure on Ashingdon Road today until Wednesday to allow for the works to go ahead.

Both Essex Police and Bloor Homes have been contacted for comment on the protesters still being at the 100-year-old tree.