A VILLAGE'S fight to protect their woodland has forced a conservation group to stop cutting down precious oak trees.

A report in the Gazette revealed residents' fury as dozens of oaks were torn down in a bid to reintroduce heathland to North Heath Common.

But following a heated argument in the woods with residents and parish councillors, Countrycare, the district council's countryside management team, has agreed no more trees will be chopped down until an arrangement has been reached with the community.

Countrycare manager, Paul Hewitt, said: "The meeting was pretty frosty. The residents were quite angry and we had people cursing and swearing at us but we felt it was more positive than negative by the end."

But local residents say they aren't prepared to compromise and they want their woodland left alone.

Norton Lane resident David Little, 68, said: "It's a bit of a stalemate at the moment. We've told them not to come back into our woods again.

"We'll fight back on this. We'll stand in front of their chainsaws if we have to," he added.

Rosemary Ellis, 58, also from Norton Lane, said: "There's not a lot of trust down here for Countrycare. They keep saying they are going to make it into a heathland but it was perfectly alright as it was. Everyone here has always known it as a woodland and we want it left alone."

A management committee comprised of members of High Ongar Parish Council, local residents and members of Countrycare has been set-up to improve communication between the groups.

Mr Hewitt said: "It was never our intention to upset people and I don't mind putting my hands up and saying I regret residents weren't properly consulted."

Mr Hewitt said that while no more trees will be chopped down in the immediate future, Countrycare is monitoring the area which has already been cleared for signs of emerging heathland.

He said: "I think if people go up there in 18 months time the place will look better. It will be a nice sunny glade with more butterflies, insects and birds.

"Hopefully when people see it they will change their minds but we can't continue to force it. We are not going to do it purposely now we know how people feel," he added.