Tree protest continues

The protestors have built a platform in the tree

Protestors camped in an ancient beech tree to save it from being felled say they will continue their campaign over Christmas and New Year.

The eco-warriors set up their tree houses, huts and tents on land next to Sherwood Rise in Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, in September.

The protest is against plans for a new road junction at the site which includes plans for felling the 300-year-old tree.

The campaigners say local people have offered them Christmas lunches and warm clothing.

Bellway Homes says it will chop down the beech tree to make way for the road junction at Debdale Lane and Sherwood Rise.

The developer says although the tree cannot be replaced, the new project will include six hectares of open space with hundreds of trees.

At a hearing in September a judge granted the company permission to remove the tree.