A SCHOOL governor says there has been an “overwhelming” outpouring of support after insurers recommended a 150-year-old tree was axed.

Simon English, chair of governors at Thundersley Primary School, in Dark Lane, has thanked members of the community for rallying around after it was revealed the tree was under threat.

The 150-year-old tree is at risk after insurer LV cited it as causing structural damage to a conservatory on a property 12 metres from the tree.

Zurich, the school’s insurance company, recommend felling the tree as the cheapest solution for the school.

In response to the news, the school launched an appeal last Friday to find a way to keep the tree without causing a “financial hit” to the school, with a root investigation survey estimated to cost £45,000.

Speaking of the surge in interest, Mr English said: “We’ve had so much support and while we did expect some response, we didn’t expect the response we have had to the point of receiving so much real help.

“We’ve had people offering to do things and while it is easy for people to comment on social media about the situation, we have had people just turn up. I have met four or five different people who have wanted to help.

“The main focus is to change the precedent that you just get rid of the tree in this situation.”

Mr English said insurers have now agreed to look at the situation again, giving campaigners a reprieve.

He is currently working with members of the Save Chester campaign group to have an independent assessment of the tree’s impact carried out, with hopes raising that it can be given a protection order.

The Save Chester campaign was set up to protect a 150-year-old London plane tree in Chichester Road, Southend, which is also under threat. The Save Chester campaign is spearheaded by savechester.org. 

“It is all a bit of a risk. This could incur more costs and we are not in a position to afford much - we have to find ways around that though,” said Mr English.

“If we say we give up, what example are we setting for our students?”

The school has launched a competition for students to name the tree.

Mr English added: “The children have reacted the same way as the community - they are just outraged.”