THE fight to save a group of 100-year-old pine trees, which have been described as a wildlife haven, appears to have been lost.

Residents had challenged the Church of England in an effort to save the 12 pine trees at a parsonage in Loftus, east Cleveland.

But the diocese of York parsonages committee has finally decided to chop them down in line with an insurance firm's recommendation.

The firm told the church that the pines, which overhang Micklow Lane and Springhead Terrace, were diseased and could fall on neighbouring property, or the road, and cause damage.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council planning committee agreed earlier this year that the trees, once guarded by a protection order, should be destroyed. However, the diocese of York then decided to reconsider when residents objected.

A petition was arranged and the strength of feeling was such that an outdoor meeting in heavy rain was attended by 30 neighbours.

However, the parsonages committee, after taking advice from an independent arborist on Monday, unanimously agreed that the pines suffered from poor root stability and should be destroyed.

The news was greeted with dismay by neighbours, who said the trees were a wildlife haven.

Loftus resident Alan Hollinworth said: "Losing them will take away from the character of the area."

Leader of the borough council and Loftus ward councillor David Walsh agreed with his constituents.

He said: "This has probably damaged the relationship between Loftus and the Church of England for some time to come.

"If we allow insurance companies to tell us what to do all the time, we will end up living in a bare tundra."

A spokesman for the diocese of York said replacement birch and alder trees would be planted when conditions allowed. Vicar Tim Whitewell said the decision was out of his hands.