The Lombardi poplar has stood near Oakfield Middle School, in Irene Avenue, for more than half a century – but residents now fear it is at risk from developers.

In September, Oakfield Middle School and Willows First School will merge to form The Globe school, as part of the reorganisation of education Adur.

Local resident Gavin O'Brien told the Herald original plans for the development showed the tree was to be retained, but people had recently been told it was to be removed.

Mr O'Brien said there were originally five or six trees, planted when the original Irene Avenue school was built, but only one remained following the Great Storm of 1987.

He added: "It is of historic interest. We feel very strongly about this particular issue. There is one very big tree remaining of those planted all those years ago."

Mr O'Brien said fears were first raised when plans to merge the schools and carry out building work were first unveiled.

"When they put in the planning application to extend the school, last year, several of us were very concerned about this last remaining tree," he added.

"It is known to generations of local residents and children who have been to the school. We can't see any good reason to cut it down."

Mr O'Brien said the tree appeared to be in good health and regularly flourished. He added: "To cut down such an old, historic tree would be sacrilege, in my view.
"You have to think of it as a grand old lady, gracing the road."

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council, which owns the school site, said: "No decision has been taken yet about the tree, but it has been the subject of two arboriculturist reports and there are concerns over its stability.

"If it is removed it would be reluctantly, because no one, including the school likes to see trees taken down.
"But at the end of the day the safety of children is of paramount importance and this will be the deciding factor."

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