CONSERVATIONISTS trying to save a 150 year-old oak tree due for the chop showed up in force on Sunday for a demonstration.

Campaigners from Redditch Tree Action Group joined people opposing a large housing development on a beauty spot at the top of Rough Hill Drive in Oakenshaw South

Denette France, of nearby Towbury Close, has campaigned against the £2.6million residential development since it was submitted by Redditch Co-operative Homes last year.

She said: "The proposed felling of this tree has raised passions among residents nearby and across Redditch as it has not appeared on any plans supplied by the developer to Redditch Council's planning department.

"We were told by them that trees with a solid line and those with a dotted line on the plan indicate whether they will be felled or if they are to remain.

"This tree is about 150 years old, at least 25 feet high and well established but it has been absent on all the plans."

The council's director of environment and planning Sue Hanley said the council was willing to meet protesters to address concerns.

She said: "We are aware of one mature oak at the top of the development site and this will be retained.

"But we are not aware of any other trees at this site which have Tree Preservation Orders and are more than happy to discuss any concerns which residents have regarding the development."