Apology after Queen's tree cut down 'in error'

Ann Sears, a former WI committee member, said the felling of the tree was "beyond belief"

A council has apologised after a tree, planted to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, was cut down.

The tree was planted in 2022 by members of Immingham's former Women's Institute (WI) as part of a nationwide initiative to mark the anniversary.

A representative for the WI told the BBC she was "shocked and horrified" to find the tree had been removed when they visited the site in May.

Immingham Town Council said a volunteer had felled the silver birch "in error" and said it would work to replace it.

Former WI members said they were in tears when they discovered the tree had been cut down

A statement read: "The volunteer who has taken over the maintenance of the bed cut down the Jubilee Tree in error.

"The volunteer is very sorry for the mistake. The Council has apologised to the former WI members and have offered to work with them to replace the tree."

Members of the WI group said the only acceptable replacement would be a "Royal tree" and they have written to King Charles to request one.

The tree had been planted in a garden area on Church Lane and had been marked with a commemorative plaque which was "thrown under a bench".

'Beyond belief'

Ann Sears, a former WI committee member, said: "They (the council) can't just buy a tree and replace it. If we can get one from the King we'll plant it and that is the only thing that will satisfy us.

"I can't believe what has happened. The garden we had planted, which was quite a size, has been completely destroyed.

"I cried when I saw what had happened and so did the other members. I can't believe somebody would disrespect the Queen in that way.

"I'm not a person that flies off the handle but I think the council got a bit of a shock with our complaint. We've raised money for their charities, we've supported them and this is just beyond belief".

The BBC has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.

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