CREWKERNE councillors are awaiting test results on a much-debated tree before they make any decisions on the proposed Henhayes Sports and Community Centre.

The decision was made at a town council meeting on Monday, when members heard there had only been 18 responses out of a possible 3,300 to its consultation on the scheme.

A test on the lucombe oak's stability is due to be carried out today to see if felling can be avoided and establish if any surgery is necessary.

It was earmarked for the chop by the town council after it was deemed a health and safety hazard due to a fungal infection, but campaigners called for it to stay.

If the test shows the tree can stay, the council looks likely to revert back to its original location for the proposed facility, behind the site of the tree, and alter the proposals currently in the planning system.

Cllr Mike Best said: "There is a planning application going through, which is live and active.The only thing that is an issue is the tree. The test will take place and we really need the results of that before going forward."

Cllr Robin Pailthorpe said: "We looked at plans for three other sites and that was the one that was chosen.

"How long are we going to have to keep going and asking people? We have now submitted our plans to the district council. It is up to them really."

The consultation was carried out in the council's May newsletter. Six people were in favour of the submitted plan, three were in favour of the new facility but suggested taking down and rebuilding the existing facilities, and nine responses, including a joint one from Crewkerne Civic Society, were against the proposal.

Of these nine, seven suggested extending other buildings to provide facilities, such as the Aqua Centre or Henhayes Centre, one suggesting refurbishing the old sports pavilion and one suggested building elsewhere or making do with existing facilities.

Members also heard the results of a survey conducted by Crewkerne Town Council by-election candidate Teresa Bond.

Out of 42 households, 33 people were opposed to the proposed expenditure and location.

Seven were in favour of the proposed scheme and content with the council's spending.

One was happy to spend the money but was not in favour of the proposed location.

One made no comment on the expenditure and was not in favour of the proposed location.

A 2,084-signature petition was handed to the district and town councils calling for the lucombe oak to be saved and the Henhayes Sports and Community Centre to be built elsewhere.

The district council could make a decision on the planning application as early as July.

The town council is still divided on the scheme, with Cllr Sue Bond not in favour of the facility being built at the proposed location.