Council investigating felling of mature tree

The tree, pictured on the left, was "well established" by 1984

A council is investigating after a tree believed to be at least 40 years old was felled in a village.

Durham County Council said it had not carried out the felling in High Shincliffe, near Durham, or "authorised anyone else to do so".

The tree was on a privately owned land around a housing estate near the junction of Bromley Close and Whitwell Acres.

Stephen Ashfield, chairman of Shincliffe Parish Council, said the community was upset.

"We want to know who chopped it down and why," he said.

"People are upset that it's just been cut down with no notification."

The felling happened early in the morning, the parish council says

Ashfield added the tree, which was "well established" by 1984, was felled at about 07:30 BST on 4 April.

Steve Bhowmick, environment and design manager at Durham County Council, said it had not been subject to a tree protection order (TPO).

"However, given what has happened, we will consider whether other trees in the area should be covered by TPOs," he said.

"We were sorry to learn about the felling of this tree and are now investigating the matter to determine what action is appropriate."