Opponents are hoping to prevent a huge tree being felled in Frome, at the front of the former station master's home in the town.

An application has been lodged to fell a Cedar of Lebanon at Wallbridge, in Frome with engineers saying it is causing subsidence and cracking.

However opponents say that reports recommending its removal fail to recognise the tree's cultural, environmental and aesthetic value.

They have until November 23 to post their comments on the Mendip planning site, with details under 2021/2367/TPO. It is believed the tree dates back to around1860 – when the house was constructed –– so environmentalists say it has been capturing carbon, absorbing water and providing habitat for wildlife for close to 160 years. One comment added : " The cedar is a specimen tree of high value, a heritage tree, and plays a major contribution in the character of the area, and its felling would be a major loss to the aesthetic quality of the town." They are urging residents to add their emails to prevent the tree order being agreed to by sending comments to [email protected]. However, in a real life scenario where money does not grow on trees, the applicants say that the tree is a 'material' cause of subsidence damage. If the tree is felled now and the root treated it will cost them around £10,000, whereas according to the application, costs for underpinning and repairs in the event the tree works do not proceed are currently estimated to be £80,000. Pruning the tree is reportedly not considered an option. Within the application on behalf of the home at 21 Wallbridge, an

Arboricultural Appraisal Report said: " "Consideration has been given to pruning alone as a means of mitigating the vegetative influence, however in this case, this is not considered to offer a viable long-term solution due to the proximity of the responsible vegetation"