MP Iain Duncan Smith has intervened in an attempt to stop a “magnificent” ancient tree being chopped down.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is backing a campaign by neighbours in The Dell, Woodford Green, to save the 150ft cedar, which is the subject of a preservation order.

The tree sits in the front garden of number 10 and the owner made two unsuccessful bids to chop it down, claiming it poses a safety risk due to falling branches.

But an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was upheld and the tree’s days now look numbered.

Mr Duncan Smith visited people living in the street today.

He said: “It would be completely unnecessary to cut it down as it is obviously not falling down or dying - certainly not a danger to anyone.

“I was taken by it, so I believe preservation and up-keep is best and I am worried a precedent may be set if it is cut down.

“It is attractive and in-keeping with the area so I will be speaking to the planning inspectorate to get the permission overturned.”

The Guardian spoke to one of the owners of number 10, who asked to not be named.

She said: “We need to cut it down as the tree is completely unsafe and I worry for the safety of my son with falling branches.

“Pupils from Bancroft’s [school] walk up here and I fear one of them is going to get hurt.”

Russell Pardoe, 51, who lives opposite the tree, said it would be a “huge loss” if the tree is cut down.

 “It is a magnificent tree and has a tree preservation order on it to the decision to cut it down is a real shame,” he said.

“I reject any notion that it is dangerous. There have never been any issues with falling branches.

“This is going to represent a huge loss to the landscape of the Dell and to the area generally not just because it is a magnificent tree still in its prime but because it is a strong link with history.”