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Oak Tree's Fate: Incurable Disease Sparks Legal Battle
24 Feb
Summary
- Council claims oak has incurable acute oak decline.
- An injunction protects the tree, with a seven-day response window.
- Tree death predicted in three to five years due to disease.
Wivenhoe Town Council is in a renewed dispute over the felling of the Old King George oak tree near Colchester, reporting it has been diagnosed with acute oak decline, an incurable disease. The council has long sought to remove the tree, citing concerns over potential damage to nearby homes and its insurer's liability.
An arboreal expert identified the disease, predicting the tree's death within three to five years. This diagnosis contrasts with the Save Old King George campaign's estimate of a 40 to 80-year life expectancy for the oak.
Currently, an interim injunction, granted in January to local resident Kat Scott, protects the tree. The town's mayor, Jon Guy, stated the council has formally requested the campaign group agree to lift this injunction. The group has seven days to respond before the council seeks a court order to withdraw it.
