A threatened chestnut tree that was saved from destruction after a council contractor error will not be felled after all, a county councillor has said.

Hertfordshire County Council sent contractors out earlier this year to cut down a 150-year-old tree in Finch Lane, Bushey, which the council says blocks a pavement.

But the chestnut remained intact after the contractors mistakenly began stripping back a different tree in the same road.

Fortunately, the latter tree was saved after neighbours, including Bob Morton, and Bushey North county councillor Laurence Brass stepped in to stop its removal before it was too late.

Related: Healthy oak tree in Bushey saved from being mistakenly felled

Watford Observer: This tree in Finch Lane was stripped back and nearly cut down in error earlier this yearThis tree in Finch Lane was stripped back and nearly cut down in error earlier this year

The plan to chop the chestnut tree down was paused following the error by the contractor - although a council spokesperson said the chestnut tree would be removed at a "later date" and apologised for the "mix-up".

However it appears the council have had a change of heart after Cllr Brass told the Observer he has since received assurances from a senior council officer in the environmental department that the chestnut tree will not be felled.

Watford Observer: This chestnut tree is no longer under threat, Bushey North Liberal Democrat county councillor Cllr Brass has been told. Circled further back is the tree that contractors mistakenly began cuttingThis chestnut tree is no longer under threat, Bushey North Liberal Democrat county councillor Cllr Brass has been told. Circled further back is the tree that contractors mistakenly began cutting

But the council is yet to formally agree to a proposal from the trustees of Bushey Manor Field that will save the tree and resolve the pavement issue as well.

Cllr Brass, who is a trustee of Bushey Manor Field, which is next to the chestnut, says he and his fellow trustees have offered to move their boundary fence in Finch Lane back a maximum of seven foot, where the tree lies.

They said this would create space for a new wider pavement for the use of pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Related: Council given opportunity to save 'healthy' chestnut tree

Watford Observer: Bushey Manor Field and circled is the chestnut tree. Credit: Stephen DanzigBushey Manor Field and circled is the chestnut tree. Credit: Stephen Danzig

He said: "Bushey Manor Field generously agreed to donate a small section of field to enable the county council to construct a pavement extension which would have the effect of saving the tree in Finch Lane and clearing a path for pedestrians.

"I've been nagging county officials to get this resolved but I am told it is complicated because legal issues are involved.

"The good news is the tree is no longer under threat but I'm continuing to press for action to be taken on the path."