Elder tree question

I have an Elder tree in my back garden, and half of it is completely dead. The main trunk is spilt into two parts, and there are a couple of other thinner trunks or thick branches leading up at the back - it is one half of the main trunk that is dead. I had my suspicions about this tree last year (some of you may even remember me asking about it);

Now, I am not sure what to do with it. If I leave it as it is, I suppose I am running the risk of the dead half breaking when there is a wind or something, which could cause damage or injury (although fairly unlikely given its location) - however, if I leave it, I was wondering if I could use it as a climbing frame for my climbing nasturtiums which might also help them hide the conifer right next to it (that I don't like!)

The other question of course, is this dead half telling me something about the state of the tree as a whole? Should I be looking at whipping it out altogether?

 

Thanks clueless1 - is it likely that the rest of the tree will follow, or is it just part of its natural life cycle?

 

Thanks guys

The 'alive' side is up against the fence, so I don't think that will fall over - it will be a bit of an odd looking specimen once I hack the dead bit off, but the nasturtiums will hopefully climb up it and make it look better - if not, I might think about an ivy or something (clematis/honeysuckle?) to train up it

 

I got the saw out this afternoon and whipped the dead half of the tree off.

Madahhlia - I take it that is a variety of honeysuckle? Is it not suitable for climbing or something?