An order protecting a "hazardous" tree at the centre of a row between Woolston Infant School and the city council will remain in place.

Councillors have voted to retain a Tree Protection Order (TPO) preventing two trees in the school's playground from being felled while alternative options are considered.

It comes after teachers raised concerns over roots lifting up the tarmac and mentioned a 'major incident' in which a child tripped and broke a limb.

Cllr Warwick Payne told Tuesday's planning meeting he is acting as a “peacemaker” between the school and the council.

He said: “It would be difficult for the committee to have to make a judgement call on the welfare of trees or the welfare of children.”

Daily Echo: The roots have caused large cracks across the playgroundThe roots have caused large cracks across the playground (Image: Submitted)

City Tree Officer, Gary Claydon-Bone, pointed out the trees provide some benefits to the school such as shade to the classrooms and play area.

He told the committee: “We don’t want to not protect them and see them disappear.”

The school suggested it could erect a shelter for the children to use during the summer months.

Cllr Payne added: “Please can the council and the school sit down and come to a resolution on this on behalf of the children of Woolston who have been waiting too long for this to be sorted.”

Daily Echo: The structure of the walls could be under threat from the rootsThe structure of the walls could be under threat from the roots (Image: Submitted)

Concerns about the trees were first raised in May 2022 when a member of staff sent the following message to the council: “The roots are taking over the playground and are now beginning to be a serious trip hazard and I think it’s only a matter of time before they effect [sic] the back wall.”

However, in December, the council issued a TPO to protect a total of seven trees, including the two the school would like to cut down.

In June this year, when the first order expired and a second one was issued, a staff member emailed the council to say the trees were having "a detrimental impact on the way we are able to use the playground area due to the risk they possess".

Damage to a boundary wall was also mentioned but Mr Claydon-Bone said trees should be felled as a last resort.