A PETITION has been launched by a mother who is fighting to keep her son safe by felling a protected oak tree in her garden.

Maddy Chatzakis says the 130-year-old tree poses a risk to her eight-year-old son Yanni, who suffers from autism, ADHD and pica - a disorder which leads him to eat potentially dangerous things.

She and her husband Achilles want to resurface the outdoor space to get rid of all vegetation. They have planning permission for an extension to their house for a sensory room combined with a safe enclosed garden area. But they were stunned when Leeds City Council refused to lift a protection order on the tree.

Maddy has appealed against the decision to the Secretary of State and now she has launched a petition to gather support from the public.

She put her appeal online this week and it had reached 100 signatures within a day. By Wednesday 139 people had signed.

The family have been overwhelmed with support from the public since their story appeared in the Wharfedale Observer last week.

Maddy said: “I have received a wonderful response from the newspaper article.

“Many people have asked how they can help Yanni.

“Some parents from Guiseley Primary, and even complete strangers, have told me they will contact the council to complain.”

She added: “The response from people in Guiseley has been heartwarming.

“Occasionally I have felt overwhelmed by this unfortunate dispute, which has at times left me feeling a little socially isolated. Caring for Yanni and his younger sister is a balancing act. The additional stress of the ongoing dispute is detrimental to the wellbeing of our family.”

Yanni regularly eats mud, wild mushrooms, leaves, twigs, acorns, and tree flowers. He has already been rushed into hospital after eating inedible material from his garden at Hawkhill Avenue in Guiseley.

Maddy was “absolutely gutted” by the council’s decision. She and her husband have offered to plant three more trees to offset the loss of the oak, and they have been offered a space to do this in Parkinson’s Park.

Leeds City Council has given permission for remedial pruning but says it is not necessary to remove the tree.

A spokesperson said: “Any residents wishing to fell trees on or near their property should always check if those trees are covered by a tree preservation order or if they are within a conservation area.

“Whilst it is very important for the council to protect and preserve healthy trees where we can, we will always work with residents who may have specific concerns on a case by case basis in an effort to balance their needs with those of the local environment. As this matter is currently subject to appeal, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”

Visit https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/speak-for-nonverbal-yannis-safety?share to sign the petition.