FAMILIES are at loggerheads with the council over a protected tree which is being blamed for causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to their homes.

The giant oak, just outside the boundary of two back gardens in Bracken Drive, Chigwell, is at the centre of compensation claim being considered by Epping Forest District Council (EFDC).

Nicky Georgiou, 59, an electrician, said he believed about £30,000 in subsidence damage had been caused to his home by the tree’s root system.

He said he had asked for permission to take down the tree, but was refused because it is protected by a tree preservation order (TPO).

Mr Georgiou said: “It has damaged the underpinning of our wall, and we have had to redecorate inside because of it.

“It has been a hassle but the repairs were covered by our insurance company, and now they are trying to recoup some of the money from the council.”

Next-door neighbour Denise Kenton, 62, who owns a restaurant in Ilford, said the tree’s roots had caused nearly a thousand pounds worth of damage to her patio and pond since she moved in three years ago.

She said: “It’s massive and it has gotten out of hand now.

“I have repeatedly been in touch with the council about this and they have told me to dig up my patio and prove it is the tree doing the damage. But we have already spent enough on this.”

A spokesman for the district council said: “The insurance company for the home is claiming compensation. We don't accept their view. While the case is potentially subject to legal proceedings we have to remain silent about the details but we feel we have a very strong case. Should we need to, we can defend our position very robustly.”