Anxious residents fear a giant tree slanting next to a popular cliffside path prone to landslides could crash down onto walkers.
Concerns have also been raised over the pine’s dubious angle, sparking calls for Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) to remove it from the Zig Zag Path on The Leas.
It comes as Folkestone’s coastline has suffered eight landslides in the past two years, with another stricken spot, the Road of Remembrance, set to remain closed until Summer 2026.
But FHDC has stated it has no intention to fell the conifer, situated next to one of the few accessible routes linking The Leas promenade with the seafront below after consulting with experts.
Worried resident Stephen West says the authority needs to learn from the previous land slips on the same stretch of cliff.
“Our argument is based on the fact that on the Road of Remembrance we saw several trees bolt upright, which, simply under their own weight, slid the entire length of the cliff, root and all,” he said.
“It lends weight to the theory that tree roots do not spread beneath the ground in a mirror image of the tree above, with roots spreading outwards, up and down the slope, not penetrating the clay, chalk or sand below.
“This is one of the few accessible ways people get down to the seafront. If they are denied access, they simply won’t come, and it will kill this part of the town.
“We are not anti-tree, but The Leas are a part of the town’s heritage and they should be protected for us and future generations.”
Mr West added that when the Zig Zag Path was created in 1927, beds were built to accommodate flowers, but no trees were planted, stating that any that are there are “naturally seeded, opportunistic, large-scale weeds.”
He not only feared the coastal route could be ruined but that it could cause “substantial injury” to anyone caught in the tree’s path if it fell.
Fellow resident Simon Fance, who walks along the coastal route more than once a day, said: “We have an incredibly unique coastline here in Folkestone and the scenery along The Leas is always changing.
“But with the recent landslides, there does seem to be a common theme which needs to be addressed.
“The whole of the path was built basically out of house brick, rock and rendered with a decorative cement finish. It was never built to support trees of this height and weight.
“It’s time someone with a structural engineering hat on and not a tree surgeon hat, seriously, took a look at this.”
However, FHDC say they have received expert advice regarding the tree, which supports their decision to keep it in its current spot.
A spokesperson added: “There is currently no sound justification for its reduction in size or removal.”
In correspondence with residents, Cllr Jim Martin (Green) said: “It falls to us to repair the damage and seek solutions to try and prevent, as far as we can, further landslides.
“I note everything you say about the trees. Please let me reassure you that we are taking the best professional advice available regarding the trees and geotechnical solutions for cliff stabilisation.
“You will no doubt recall the furore of complaints and objections we received when the trees were cut down from the cliff above the Road of Remembrance.
“There are many people who believe that we cut down trees unnecessarily. We will be removing trees, but we will be doing so after taking specific professional advice.”
Last year, parts of the Zig Zag path were closed off while assessments were made on how to stabilise the area, which involved removing some trees following assessments.
Both The Leas and the Road of Remembrance underwent LIDAR – light detection and ranging – surveys to highlight any areas of concern and inform the programme of planned work.
This followed the landslides at both Cow Path and Maderia Walk, which remain closed after falling debris made the paths dangerous or impassable.
Works to stabilise the area above the Lower Leas Coastal Park play area have also been announced to begin this autumn, ahead of a £750k overhaul of the site.
Last year, the cliff above the playground collapsed, with the area having to be cordoned off from the public in March.
