COUNCILLORS have refused permission to fell a tree, despite protests that it is unsafe.

John Burdis, a resident of Marigold Court, Darlington, applied for permission to cut down an 11-metre chestnut tree which is five metres from the rear of his and his neighbours' homes and is leaning at an angle towards them.

Mr Burdis said: "Branches, even healthy ones, keep falling off the tree and we are worried someone might get injured."

Although there were no objections to the application, Darlington Borough Council's planning committee refused permission, instead recommending that deadwood was removed and the lower branches cut back.