Petition launched to save oak trees in Medway

Campaigners want to save oak trees from being felled

A campaign has been launched to save a set of oak trees.

The eight trees are in Aveling Close and Knights Road in Hoo, Kent, on land owned by Medway Council.

Insurers for two nearby properties have applied for permission to fell the trees, claiming the moisture they are drawing from the soil is causing subsidence.

Medway Council has been contacted for comment.

A petition to save the trees was started by Michael Pearce, an independent councillor for Hoo St Werburgh and High Halstow.

Writing on the petition's page he said: "An Independent Expert should undertake an investigation of the alleged subsidence, scrutinise the evidence and decide if the felling of these oaks is an appropriate and proportionate outcome.

"As volunteer Tree Warden for the parish of Hoo and Chattenden, it is my duty to monitor and champion our local trees."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.