A silver birch tree next to a toilet block could soon be felled as its roots keep blocking the drainage system.

The tree in Wye, near Ashford, is just centimetres from public loos next to the village's Co-op store, and opposite St Gregory and St Martin Church.

Plans submitted by Wye with Hinxhill Parish Council show the tree – described as 'arguably at the end of its life' – is undermining the foundations of the block and constantly disturbing and infiltrating the drains.

The applicants say the roots are causing regular blockages which make it difficult to maintain the facility in Churchfield Way.

As a result, bosses are hoping the tree can be removed.

If the plans are approved, the parish council says it will move forward with getting quotes to find out how much the works will cost.

The authority hopes it can be taken down in the autumn when the leaves have fallen, but before the cold weather sets in.

Ashford Borough Council is yet to make a decision on the application.