A FURIOUS row has broken out over the “felling” of an 800-year-old oak tree which is a well-loved and important landmark in the village of High Legh.
High Legh Parish Council, which has been seeking advice on how best to preserve the tree for some months, has described its felling by Cheshire East Council, as “a wanton act of pure vandalism” carried out without adequate consultation.
Cheshire East Council has replied by claiming they did consult the parish and that the tree wasn’t felled it simply collapsed.
Lord Richard Grey, whose family has lived at High Legh for more than 800 years, has weighed in by accusing Cheshire East of abusing its power.
Villagers are said to be furious at what has happened to a tree known locally as “The Blasted Oak” – apparently because it is believed to have been struck by lightning many years ago.
The parish council is demanding a full explanation from Cheshire East and is hoping that something can still be done to preserve the memory of the tree at its site at the junction of Broadoak Lane and Peacock Lane.
In a statement, the parish council said: “We in High Legh cannot believe that Cheshire East Council, without any consultation, carried out this wanton act of pure vandalism.
“It was noticed at the end of last year that the metal band supporting it had broken. But even then, there was no danger whatsoever to the highway.”
Parish council chairman Cllr Richard Wright said: “This great landmark of our community has been removed without any consultation.
“This is tantamount to vandalism and the parish council will be seeking a full and satisfactory explanation as to why this part of High Legh history has been destroyed.”
Lord Grey said: “We as a family, who used to own this tree until the council took over the highways and verges, have always cherished this ancient tree and would have expected the council to do the same. We are furious that they have abused their power in this way.”
Councillor David Topping, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member for service commissioning, said: “Officers carried out an assessment after concerns had been raised by the parish council.
“Our officers were told that the remains of the tree needed to be secured because the original retaining strap had rusted and failed, leaving parts of the tree relying on an adjacent tree to support it.
“Our officers advised the parish council that the remains of the tree would be carefully made safe. However, it was found on arrival that it was completely unstable and swaying, therefore a larger section of the tree had to be dealt with than originally envisaged.
“The tree had been in decline for more than 60 years and had remained upright only because it had been strapped to the adjacent healthy tree.
“However, the strap had perished and there was a real danger that the dead tree would fall and potentially injure or kill passers-by.
“The dead tree was not felled. It was roped up while the limb of the live tree was cut off.
“Once the support was removed, the section of the dead tree that had rotted away from the lower section of the stump was gently lowered to the ground and placed onto the verge. The solid section of dead stump was retained in its original position.
“We had previously written to the parish council clerk to explain our intention to make the tree safe, as well as how and why we would do so.
“After dealing with the immediate making safe of the tree, it was suggested that its future in a safer place in the village could be discussed.”
The oak is listed in a national database of ancient trees set up by the Woodland Trust – one of 16 in Cheshire.
Pictures: The “Blasted Oak” before and after the work was carried out.
