A LANDMARK horse chestnut tree in Palmers Green is to be felled because of disease.

The 16m tall mature tree, situated in the Palmers Green triangle between Green Lanes and Aldermans Hill, is in "fast decline" and a hazard to traffic, according to Enfield Council.

Tree officers, who have monitored the tree for several years, are now considering a replacement tree for the site but say a large tree may not be suitable for the site.

The council recently commissioned a full survey which showed fungal and bacterial infections had instigated a "very fast decline".

The report says "removal is the only option" as the tree would not be likely to survive heavy pruning.

The council says the site will be surveyed to see if another tree could replace it but adds there are "numerous constraints that render this site unsuitable for another large specimen."

Andy Barker, of the Fox Lane residents' association said: "We would obviously mourn the loss of any tree but it's in a really bad state, and has been declining just in the past few days.

"Initial talks indicate there could be a replacement which we would be consulted about, which we will press for. I have meeting with the council in a few weeks and this item is on the agenda."