Protesters against the felling of an historic tree will be locked out of the garden where it stands when it is chopped down.

Lewes District Council decided to axe the 200-year-old tulip tree in the town's Grange Gardens because it is riddled with fungus and could pose a risk to the public.

The council has said it will lock the garden to keep campaigners out for their own safety.

Opponents of the felling believe the council has ignored independent advice and not explored enough options.

A campaign has been organised by Lewes Tree Group and about two dozen supporters gathered at the rare Liriodendron tulipifera yesterday to discuss their options.

Poet Carolyne Jones, of St Anne's Crescent, Lewes, has particularly fond memories of the tree.

She said: "I got married here 22 years ago. I had the reception in the gardens and most of my photographs were taken under the tulip tree.

"If the council chops this tree down they are taking all my memories away from me."

A poem entitled Tulip Tree Lament has been stuck on the tree by an anonymous protester.

The group is preparing another report into the health of the tree, which has honey fungus, and organising a petition to illustrate the strength of feeling among the community.

But their actions could be too late.

A spokeswoman for the council said it was prepared to receive a new petition but it would have to be presented to a meeting on December 2.

It would then be forwarded to the ruling Cabinet to discuss at a meeting on December 13. By this time, the spokeswoman said, the tree will have been chopped down.

In its place another tulip tree will be planted. It has been donated by Barcham Trees, of Ely, Cambridgeshire.

The exact date for the felling has yet to be decided.

Despite the reluctance of the council to back down, Lewes Tree Group spokesman John May said the campaign would continue.