A MUCH LOVED 100-year-old oak tree at the centre of a long-running dispute has been cut by property developers in Rochford.

The community has gathered this morning in sadness around Holt Farm Oak Tree, in Ashingdon Road, as it is was chopped down by Bloor Homes.

The 100-year-old tree has been at the centre of protests for more than three months, with campaigners attempting to prevent it from being cut down as part of plans to build 662 homes.

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Back in October campaigners from Save Holt Farm Oak Tree moved into a platform raised in the 100-year-old tree to try to prevent it from being chopped down.

Bloor Homes has been granted permission to build 662 new homes nearby, and bosses say the tree needs to be removed for a new road layout.

Today, after many months of disputes, the tree has finally been chopped down by Bloor Homes.

Save Holt Farm Oak Tree expressed their devastation on social media as their fight came to an end.

They wrote: “The calm before the storm, the birds are just waking, and our last night together is drawing to a close.

“We will never forgive you.”

More to follow.