Row over felling of much-loved 'diseased' tree

Dave Delany points to the tree in Hampole, near Doncaster

Residents of a village where a much-loved tree is due to be felled have protested against a decision to remove it.

Doncaster Council has approved an application by the owner of the land in Hampole, where the mature beech stands, to cut it down.

An inspection found it was "unhealthy" and suffering from disease and recommended that it be felled for safety reasons.

Yet those who want to save it said a previous report on its condition had stated that it would be safe if maintained properly.

The beech tree in the village of Hampole, near Doncaster

The council assured villagers that a new tree would be planted in its place and that the beech could have fallen over at "any time".

The landowner, Terry Spruce, said he "couldn't accept" any risk to public safety.

Fungal infection

Experts said that the tree was infected with two fungi which could cause structural damage to it.

In March, a report by Selwyn Trees said it could be "managed through sensitive management and monitoring".

However, a subsequent inspection by Gloaming Tree Surgery said it posed an "unacceptable risk to life", as it could blow down if the infection progressed to the roots.

Nick Ballinger said a good reason to fell the tree had not been supplied

Hampole and Skelbrook parish council chair Nick Ballinger said he opposed the tree's removal.

"Nobody in the village would want to have a dangerous tree, they wouldn't want anybody at risk of losing life."

He felt the original report had been ignored.

"We haven't been given a good reason as to why that scientific work is being disregarded, and that's the missing piece of the jigsaw for me."

Dave Delany, 61, has lived in Hampole for nine years and can see the tree from his garden.

He claimed that the Selwyn Trees report was not made public until the deadline had passed for representations against the planning application.

"We were informed by Doncaster Council that the tree was unsafe, diseased, and probably a catastrophe waiting to happen," he said.

"Everybody was completely misled. It will now open up a beautiful view of the local rubbish tip."

Work has already begun to remove the tree

Doncaster Council reiterated that felling was a "last resort".

A spokesperson said: "After thorough investigation of this tree's health, we had to make the decision to remove it.

"The tree had two diseases which made it very unsafe and it could have fallen at any time.

"To replace the tree, we will be planting a new extra heavy standard beech tree for future generations to enjoy."

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