A trench has been cut through half the root structure of the elm — one of the park's oldest and largest trees.

This error happened last week at the construction site of the two-storey sports facility and restaurant which will replace the site of the former Ciapelli's Restaurant.

Though some trees were transferred from the site before work began, this tree was apparently intended to stay.

Kevin Bott, Douglas Corporation's superintendent of parks and gardens, said: 'Unfortunately we are aware of the problem. We are investigating as to exactly what happened and have no comments at present.'

The future of the tree, which is standing independently while looming over the trench, is presently unknown.

David Christian, leader of Douglas Council said: 'We take this very seriously. It was a genuine accident by one of the excavators working on the site. The site is quite contained so they have done well until now.'

Last week Douglas Corporation asked the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestries to examine the tree, which it is hoped will happen this week.

Mr Christian said: 'We decided we needed some expert advice. If we simply fill in the roots the tree could just become unstable and cause a health and safety problem.

'We certainly try wherever we can to avoid damaging trees. We have an arborist whose main job is to preserve the trees.'

He said: 'We will go on whatever they say. If we have to fell the most mature trees in the park, we will plant several trees to compensate.'