THE Prince of Wales Charles is being asked to step in over a row about an ancient tree threatened with the axe in Crewkerne.

Protesters have written to the Prince urging him to add his weight to the campaign to save the Lucombe oak at Henhayes.

They hope in his role as patron of The Tree Register, a charity which collates and updates a database of notable trees throughout Britain and Ireland, he could help overturn Crewkerne Town Council's decision to chop it down. The council says it is fungus-infected and a health-and-safety hazard.

Campaigner Michael Fox of Merriott wrote the letter and was due to hand deliver it to the prince's official residence Clarence House in London yesterday.

He told the prince: "I and other members of the group are trying to find an appropriate expert on assessing the risks posed by trees, and also on their treatment, who could give an objective and forward-looking view on the prospects of saving the oak.

"Our problem is to persuade the council and its insurers that they can allow the time and flexibility to consider an alternative course of action, even after the town council and its insurers have taken a decision. Since summer is approaching we are unlikely to see any gales that could threaten the tree, so we have a few valuable weeks where alternatives could be explored.

"I believe that if you can show your support for this course of action it would help us find this time and a way to give to the council and their insurers what we hope will be new evidence that after treatment of the fungal attack, the tree would present no more significant risk than any other to passers-by."

Protesters are considering fund-raising initiatives to pay for such a report to be carried out.

They are also looking at other measures to save the tree, which is currently home to a nesting bird and is believed to be the third largest of its kind in England. These include fencing it off, propping it up, pollarding by cutting branches to encourage growth and terraventing which aims to treat root problems.

The town council, which owns the land the tree stands on, is still intent on felling it, although a date for the work has yet to be set.

It says it is under pressure from its insurer, which claims the council would be at risk of being sued if the tree fell on either people or property and that it would be negligent in avoiding advice from two tree experts who identified the risk.

Campaigners are also considering applying to register the land as a town green, which if agreed, could prevent further development such as the proposed sports and community centre between the aqua centre and Henhayes Centre.

Kay Turnbull who has lived at Henhayes Lane for 12 years said: "When I first came the aqua centre was a new build. Since then the bricks and mortar have been moving in. There used to be bats all over the park and in my garden. Since the lighting of the temporary car park, they are nowhere to be seen this side of the park.

"I fear that this green space will soon be a very small island surrounded by buildings. The piece of ground which the Lucombe oak occupies is the only gap along that side of the park. The only one that most people see. It will become 'out of sight out of mind', then what will become of it?"

Former Henhayes Lane resident Anastasia Eastick said: "I think many people are angry and frustrated that the area around Henhayes recreational ground is rapidly disappearing and more and more tarmac and concrete replaces what used to be a lovely green zone in the heart of Crewkerne."

Mayor Mike Best said as the current sports centre facilities are demolished, more green space will open up on the recreational ground.

He said: "If the proposed sports and community centre is built near the aqua centre, we will also gain all the space where the old buildings are. The location of the proposed centre was chosen for access reasons and that was why it was decided not to build where the current sports facilities are."

Cllr Best added that the scheme would go through the planning application process, which would involve public consultation. The new building, he said, would not suddenly appear "within five minutes".