VILLAGERS are protesting against plans to chop down a mature cherry tree in the Borders.

Developers want to build a property on the village green in Newstead, on the corner of Main Street and Eddy Road.

But some residents are unhappy that a large tree is due to come down – prompting activists to decorate it with posters.

One poster reads: “Do not murder me – I’m a living tree. Been here long before you – leave me be.”

Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee backed the controversial project last month by a majority of six against three.

The plans, submitted by Ferguson Planning on behalf of JSC Estates, will see a four-bedroom home erected on the grassy open space.

Scottish Borders Extinction Rebellion member Francine Hardwick is among those disappointed with the proposal.

She said: "It's blatantly obvious that the special landscape setting and its unique character in Newstead – the nation's oldest continuously inhabited village – will be altered and damaged by this development.”

Campaigners have attached around a dozen messages to the cherry tree, one of two targeted for the chop.

During the planning meeting on May 18, Galashiels councillor Andy Anderson and East Berwickshire member Helen Laing were among the minority who spoke out against the application.

During the meeting, Ms Laing said: "Over half of the space is being lost – this space is being used and is clearly well loved.

"I don't think the building justifies the loss."

Hawick and Denholm councillor Clair Ramage was among those who backed the plans, telling the meeting that cherry trees “grow quickly”.

The Border Telegraph approached the council and JSC Estates for comment.