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Race on to save oak tree
THE race is on to save an oak tree due to be felled on Monday because of fears it is causing subsidence to a nearby house.
The oak, which is 150 feet high and is at least 150 years old, is in the grounds of Holly Village, the enclave built by Victorian philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts.
But now residents who live in the Grade-II listed houses are looking for ways to stop the chainsaws.
Eugene Van Dijk, who has lived in the village for two years, has been told by his insurance company that the tree has to go because of its roots.
He said: “The insurance company got a tree expert to look at the problem and I have to go on what they recommend.”
But members of the Holly Village Residents Association say the problem with the homes foundations dates from 10 years ago when a leaking drain was not properly fixed.
Residents Association chairman Patrick Stagg said: “The oak is part of the landscape. I believe that there has been negligence in the past in looking after the homes foundations and this has created the current problem.”
Diana Brown, who has lived in the village for 39 years said: “It is a magnificent oak, and this is not the only house to have subsidence. Two others have suffered recently and the surveyors say it has nothing to with trees.”
Highgate ward Green councillor Maya De Souza said she was working to get a temporary preservation order on the oak. She said: “I am extremely concerned with the insurers demands.”
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