A group fear a 200-year old oak tree has been damaged due to broadband installation.

Simon Cohen and a group of his neighbours are concerned an old oak tree, which he believed to be more than 200 years old, had been damaged due to the installation of high-speed broadband by Virgin Media.

The technology company have been and are still installing broadband across Barnet, which includes placing cables under pathways and roads and installing large “boxes”.

Mr Cohen believes the cables and box at Potters Lane, High Barnet, is directly interfering with the roots of the tree.

He said: “My neighbours and I are appalled these works have been approved and allowed to happen in the most unsuitable location possible, directly under the tree canopy of the only mature landmark tree in the area.

“I understand that other local residents had previously made the council aware of the importance of the tree to the council last year but this seems to have been ignored or forgotten.”

On seeing the installation taking place, on an area he says is a root protection zone, Mr Cohen protested to the foreman and later called the project manager, to be told the works and location had all been approved by Barnet Council.

A Virgin Media spokesperson said: “Virgin Media is currently expanding its network in Barnet to bring ultrafast broadband speeds to more homes and businesses. As part of this work, plans were submitted and agreed with the local authority before work started in the area.

“We have since met with the local authority and their tree specialists who have confirmed that no damage was caused to the tree.”

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “All companies carrying out this type of work have a responsibility to adhere to all the National Joint Utilities Group regulations and guidelines.

"While it is the company’s responsibility, the council ensures these guidelines are adhered to.

“In this particular case, our officers identified areas where the guidelines were not followed, however, on inspection of the site no significant damage to the tree or any roots was found.”

A Virgin spokesman said: “We have met with the local authority and their tree specialists who have confirmed that no damage was caused to the tree.”