THE future of a century-old yew tree which has split a village community will be decided next week.

Cleasby Village Hall is undergoing extensive renovation which prompted the committee leading the project to check the building's surroundings.

They expressed concern about the ageing tree on the north-east boundary of the car park and said that its condition posed a threat to the new-look hall.

The village hall committee approached Richmondshire District Council in April to find out if they needed permission to fell the tree.

Members were told, despite its age and prominent position, it was not protected by a preservation order or covered by conservation area regulations.

However, members of Stapleton and Cleasby Parish Council were not happy with the proposals to fell the tree.

They contacted the district council in May and were told, as the landowners, they had the authority to block any moves to fell it.

Earlier this month, a tree surgeon arrived and began to cut branches from the tree.

Furious local residents phoned Richmondshire District Council calling for the work to be stopped.

The council agreed to an Emergency Tree Preservation Order to allow time for a full examination of the yew's condition.

But the village hall committee has demanded the tree be felled because it said the work already done means it is now likely to fall over.

The issue will be settled at a meeting of Richmondshire District Council's Environment and Planning Committee at 5pm on Tuesday.

A report to members accepts the tree is showing signs of age.

Planning officer Beverly Booth said: "On the eastern side of the tree there is evidence of poor health with rotting wood in an old wound which extends almost from the base of the tree to about one metre-high, and further evidence of rotting at about 1.8 metres-high, together with woodworm holes."

But she also said there is evidence that the tree has survived major surgery in the past. Expert evidence will be reported to the meeting where a final decision will be made.