CAMPAIGNERS have insisted there is no end in sight for their protest to stop a 100-year-old tree being axed, as developer submits High Court injunction. 

Bloor Homes has now submitted an injunction to the High Court after protesters remained living in the mature oak tree in Rochford for a fifth consecutive day.

The tree was set to be chopped down on Monday morning as part of plans to build 662 new homes on Ashingdon Road, however protesters have been living in the tree since Thursday night. 

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The developer has insisted the tree must be felled so a new road layout can be created, however the campaigners insist the tree is a vital part of the community. 

One of the protesters, who wishes to remain anonymous, said they plan to stay there as long as they can.

She said: “I have been feeling more optimistic than what when we first started, our hopes often go up and down, up, and down.

“It is a lovely, lovely atmosphere at the moment, with cars honking in support, and so many people are just getting along together.

“I have lived here for 15 years, and I have never made so many friends.

“We swap out the people living in the tree on a constant basis, they all seem to really enjoy it, and for the most part we only ever really leave to take a shower or get food.

“We are planning to stay here as long as we can.”

Toyda, Bloor Homes confirmed that the it has now submitted an injunction to the High Court to remove the protesters.

A spokesman for Bloor Homes said: “Bloor confirmed to the protesters yesterday (via a letter from the local authority) the position in relation to the ownership of the land and the tree and the basis of the authorisation to undertake the work.

“We can confirm that Bloor Homes has now submitted an injunction to the High Court.

“We will continue to liaise with police and other key stakeholders to remove the protestors who are unlawfully obstructing the highway.”