AN ANGRY North Yorkshire woman claims a century-old sycamore tree is under threat from what she calls "completely unnecessary" roadworks.

Work was due to begin today to resurface a country lane at Alne, near Easingwold.

But Ruth Davis, whose Gale Road home fronts the lane, claims the work is only being done because the Duke of York is visiting a nearby recreation field next month.

And she fears any work within eight metres of the tree's trunk could badly destabilise it.

She also says the sycamore - which is in her garden but borders the lane - is subject to a Hambleton District Council tree preservation order.

"The only explanation for the sudden need to resurface the road is to save His Royal Highness having to walk along a muddy lane," she said.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire County Council said: "Highways officer Ian Salmons is due to meet Ms Davis today to discuss tree-related issues. The welfare of the tree is our main concern and we will do what we can to protect it. However, we would dispute Ms Davis' claim these are unnecessary roadworks.

"We need to get to the playing field and at present the route there is substandard. Minimal construction work will be done to bring the lane to the standard required by traffic that will need to access the field."

The spokeswoman then added she "knows nothing" of the Duke of York being involved.

A spokeswoman for the Duke of York then said a visit to North Yorkshire had been proposed, but "we don't even know if it has been confirmed yet."

Updated: 11:21 Tuesday, September 11, 2001