A primary school has won the right to chop down a 100-year-old tree tree due to 'health and safety concerns' about chestnuts falling in the playground.

St John's Primary school stated in its planning documents that it had to regularly close areas of the playground for more than a hour to sweep away chestnuts.

This was to ensure the safety of the children who go out to play during break times as well as members of staff.

Sarah May, the school's head teacher, said that 'very slippery' leaves often fell from the sweet chestnut tree which an employee had injured themselves on.

Whilst one welcomes health and safety in all respects one cannot but ask whether there was an alternative and why the matter only came to light after a 100 years!

#LWTreecare.#Canterbury.#treesurgeons.#treecare.#kent.