A band of parish councillors has vowed to chain themselves to three old oak trees in a bid to stop them being felled.
Colchester-based insurance company OCA UK has called for the trees in Weeley to be chopped down to save the crumbling Scout hut on the village playing field.
Officials have argued the trees are drawing water away from the hut footings causing subsidence, with massive cracks appearing inside.
Parish councillors are disgusted at the proposals and have written to Tendring District Council to voice their objections.
A spokesman for OCA UK told the Evening Gazette that the company did not comment on such matters.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article