A last-ditch attempt by residents and MP Iain Duncan Smith to stop a "landmark" tree from being chopped down, has failed. 

The 150ft cedar tree in The Dell, Woodford Green, stands tall above the houses in the street and can be seen from the High Road. 

It sits in front of a property owned by the Choudhary family, who previously made two unsuccessful bids to have it removed after claiming its falling branches posed a significant safety risk. 

Despite the tree being subject to a preservation order and the focus of a campaign by neighbours, who argued it was a "significant part of the landscape", the Planning Inspectorate upheld an appeal from the family. 

Mr Duncan Smith argued it was "completely unnecessary" to cut it down and was worried the inspectorate's decision would set an unhealthy precedent.  

Homeowner Hadia Choudhary organised the works to be carried out today and tomorrow ahead of heavy winds expected this weekend.  

She said: "We tried to maintain it for three years, but the fact is - it is not safe. 

"A heavy branch fell down last week and half-landed on the pavement. Had there been a passer-by, he or she would have died. 

"I've had many sleepless nights worrying the falling branches will injure or kill someone.

"We will be replacing it with a healthy tree at some point before April."

The family have paid £2,000 to have it removed.