CAMPAIGNERS have won their battle in Crewkerne to save the Lucombe oak, earmarked for the chop in January.

On Monday, town councillors endorsed recommendations following tests on the tree in Henhayes which showed it is safe to remain, subject to carrying out maintenance and safety measures.

The amenities committee also decided to amend the current planning application for the proposed Henhayes Sports and Community Centre, relocating it behind the oak, but that could be reviewed in the future.

The decision to keep the tree was a U-turn for the council after a previous survey labelled it a hazard as it was infected with fungus.

Following the pull test, insurers will cover the tree if: it is fenced off, with a sign displayed explaining why; the soil is nourished with mulch and aerated to revitalise the roots; yearly inspections are made; there is a repeat pull test in three years' time; and the council seeks professional advice in severe weather.

Ben Hartshorn of the Save Our Oak! Save Henhayes! campaign said: "This tree was given a death warrant by our town council.

"But, in what we think is a first in the UK, 'people power' and the use of precise scientific equipment flown in from Germany have proved that the tree has a long-term future.

"We have collected a petition of over 2,000 names supporting the fight to save Henhayes from overdevelopment. This shows how strong the feeling is that we need to value and protect our green spaces and the species that inhabit them.This campaign has cost the group over £2,500. It hasn't been cheap, but it was worth the expense. This puts Crewkerne on the map, and everybody involved should be proud of what they've achieved here.

"We have a magnificent oak tree to enjoy."

Mayor Hilary Leamon said: "Having read the report, it looks as if what they are saying is that the tree is basically getting old, wearing out, but safe.

"The insurance company is happy to cover us, I do not see any reason to take the tree down."

Most members were happy to continue spending on the tree – about £4,500 so far plus around £2,500 for these new measures – but concerns were raised about the sum when the oak's lifespan is not known.

A divided council also decided to amend the current planning application for the proposed sports and community centre now the tree has been declared safe, reverting to the original site.

Cllr Leamon said that obtaining planning permission for the centre would mean applications for grant money can then be made. "I am not 100 per cent sure that the site is the totally right site.

"If we establish the principle and we do not like exactly where it is, we can look at the site again," she said.

Cllr Peter Chard said: "I am afraid I am of the opinion we shouldn't be building it there. I think probably we need to go back to the drawing board and relook at the siting. Basically, the new building is going to be fairly close to the roots of the tree. The roots are paramount to what we do. I think we would have to be very careful.

"I would still like to see the building footprint, how close it is to the tree before any decision is made."

Cllr Ron Bond questioned expenditure in an economic recession, asking for more information on the financial situation of the Aqua Centre and Active Lifestyle Centre before making a decision.

He said: "The past three years published accounts 2006, 2007 and 2008 show that the Aqua Centre and Active Lifestyle Centre have been running in deficit and their reserves have fallen from about £211,000 to £128,000.

"Whilst it can be argued that, due to building works, 2006 was bound to be a difficult year, nevertheless 2007 and 2008 are worrying."

But Cllr Mike Best, a member of Crewkerne Leisure Management which runs the centre on behalf of the council, said: "We haven't reported that the pool is in dire straits. We are healthy at the moment and the plans we have are moving forward.

"To insinuate the Aqua Centre is about to fail is totally unjust."

The planning application is likely to be debated by South Somerset District Council in September.

Funding for the measures to keep the tree are expected on the agenda for the next full town council on Monday 27 July.