Residents and councillors of Moseley in Birmingham formed a ring of hands to prevent the destruction of a 150 year old tree.

Meteor Ford site - Tesco development. Pictures from Martin Mullaney

The tree, at the corner of Oxford Road and Wake Green Road, is apparently in the way of development at the Meteo Ford site on which Tescos are planning a new complex.

LibDem Coucillor Ernie Hendricks noticed that an attempt to cut down the tree was being made two weeks ago and stepped in to prevent it. This morning a passer-by alerted him to another attack by workers at the site.

Meteor Ford site - Tesco development. Pictures from Martin Mullaney

Hendricks was joined at the site this morning by a group of residents and Labour Councillor Martin Straker Welds.

Tesco’s contractors claim they have permission to remove the tree as they need to drill bore holes where the tree roots are.

The police are on site and will be making a decision on how matters proceed later today.

Meteor Ford site - Residents and contractors await a police decision

At 13:15 it was reported that the police have decided that the contractors should leave the site in order to allow more time for talks to take place.