CAMPAIGNERS have called on Brighton College to pay for the loss of elm trees infected by a logpile on its land.

Signatures from 100 people calling for the school to fund the replanting of elm tress in Hove were presented to the environment, transport and sustainability committee by councillor Denise Cobb last night.

The residents of Westbourne Gardens, Westbourne Villas and Westbourne Street called on the city council to make sure the school helped after trees were felled after the school's "negligent behaviour in leaving elm branches to decay on its New Church Road property."

The petition asked that the 23 replacements be "substantial", rather than saplings, and applied their request to any of the trees within half a kilometres radius of the school likely to fall victim to the disease "unleashed" by the school.

Fourteen elms were felled in August after being infected by beetles which were tracked down to a logpile on the grounds of St Christopher’s Prep School in New Church Road, which is owned by the college. The infection then spread, leading to the loss of 23 trees.

In a statement St Christopher’s headteacher Julian Withers said: “We are very saddened by the loss of elm trees in the school and in the surrounding area and very keen to support the council and the Westbourne community.”

Councillor Louisa Greenbaum said there had been a "disappointing" reaction from the school, adding: "They are not short of money."

The school is due to meet with councillor Cobb and council officers to discuss the situation, the meeting heard.