Parish councillors and neighbours fear for the future of the tulip tree in Cemetery Road, even though it is the subject of a tree preservation order.

“Tulip trees are very rare in this part of the country and this is a beautiful example,” said parish council chairman June Elborn.

“East Lindsey District Council has received an application for it to be chopped down and we all want to save it.

“A lot of other trees were removed on the site before the new Willow Court houses were built but we feel strongly we do not want to lose the tulip tree.”

Victor Nash, chairman of Wragby Heritage Group, believes the tree, a liriodendron tulipifera, was about 70 years old.

“Apparently the site owner has said the tree could cause problems to the bungalow nearby but we think that’s a spurious excuse,” Mr Nash said.

The bungalow’s owner, Len Warner, said the property was about 40 years old and added: “There are no problems from the tree. Quite the opposite, in fact – it soaks up a great deal of moisture and stops the ground getting waterlogged, it gives shelter from the north wind and it’s a terrific bird sanctuary.”

Parish councillors only took delivery of ELDC’s letter about the application on June 19, with observations due to be lodged by last friday, June 27, giving them little time to react.