Council investigates 'vandalism' after felling of mature trees in village
A council is investigating after the felling of trees, described as “vandalism”, in a quiet East Lindsey village.
Resident Helen Nicholson complained about the chopping-down of the trees, believed to be oaks, in East Kirkby, saying they were supposed to be protected by preservation orders.
"Five or six mature trees have been utterly destroyed on land on Church Lane, opposite the historic Church Of St Nicholas,” said Helen, 76, who is a retired businesswoman living in nearby Miningsby, within the parish of Revesby.
"I drive past the area each day and visit the church on occasion. It is a long, narrow strip of land.
“This wanton act of vandalism, and the person who perpetrated it, needs to be brought to the attention of the public.
"Nobody seems to have heard anything. But I find it astonishing that someone can spoil the landscape like this.
"They were beautiful trees, and we will never get them back now. Whoever felled them should be remonstrated with, or fined. There are few enough trees in Lincolnshire as it is.
"Since the trees were felled, a number of shipping containers have arrived on the land in their place. Has planning permission been obtained for them?”
The site is close to The Old Bowling Alley, which houses an antique and vintage furniture business. But it is not clear who owns the land on which the trees stood, nor whether their removal was sanctioned by planning officers at East Lindsey District Council.
Helen contacted the council about the felled trees, and received an email that same evening, promising her that they would look into it and keep her posted.
When the Horncastle News approached the council, a spokesperson issued this statement: “We are aware of the allegation of the felling of protected trees and are currently investigating this, alongside other potential planning enforcement concerns raised, to decide on the most appropriate next steps.”
The spokesperson said they “can’t go into detail on active investigations”, but made it clear that if breaches of tree preservation orders had been committed, legal enforcement action could be taken.