Outcry over the fate of two "beautiful" flowering cherry trees in a north London street may have saved them from the axe - but only for a few weeks.

This spring's cherry blossom may the last for the two trees in Beversbrook Road, Tufnell Park, after Islington Council said they pose an "immediate health and safety risk".

They were due to be felled on June 1 and June 2 but such was the outcry from residents the decision has been delayed "for a few weeks" until the situation can be explained.

One of the trees is in Glynis Law's front garden. She said she and her husband bought their house 30 years ago having "fallen in love" with the "beautiful" Japanese flowering cherry.

Islington Gazette: A mature cherry tree in Beversbrook Road, Tufnell Park, which is due to be felled as it is 'decayed' which neighbours say is good for biodiversityA mature cherry tree in Beversbrook Road, Tufnell Park, which is due to be felled as it is 'decayed' which neighbours say is good for biodiversity (Image: Glynis Law)

She said tree surgeons had been telling them it should be felled for three decades but they ignored them and instead found a tree surgeon who removed the dead branches, reshaped it, and gave it stability and "a new lease of life". 

She added: "Decay is often used by individual homeowners and also by councils as an excuse for felling a tree that they want to get rid of.

"In the natural world of course trees can live for many years with decay and that decay is home to a myriad of creatures."

Other residents said they were not given sufficient notice or the chance to appeal the decision.

One said she and her husband were "filled with consternation and dismay" when they saw notices about the removal of the trees. 

Another criticised the "tardy and inappropriate" planting of replacement trees.

They asked for felling to be delayed for consultation and full consideration of the rationale, adding: "The trees in our streets are a blessed asset and these mature ornamental cherries are a glory when in flower."

The council has shared records from its tree inspection database, which it says identified heartwood basal decay - a problem that is untreatable and will lead to the gradual degradation of the trees until the stem collapses.

Cllr Rowena Champion, who is responsible for environment, air quality, and transport, said the council "didn't take the decision to fell the trees lightly", but that it had to ensure the safety of residents and prevent damage to property.

She added: "We understand that residents on Beversbrook Road are concerned by the fellings, and we've therefore decided to delay the felling of the trees by a few weeks so that we can meet with them to explain the situation clearly and to discuss options for replanting in the winter."

Cllr Champion said: “Unfortunately, the mature cherry trees on Beversbrook Road have reached the end of their safe life expectancy and pose an immediate health and safety risk to local people.

"This decision has not been taken lightly, but it is absolutely necessary to protect the health and safety of local people."