A PROTECTED tree believed to be more than 130 years old has been felled at Lymm – because it was considered a danger to the public.
The magnificent Copper Beech, a landmark at the junction of Whitbarrow Road and Dane Bank Road was perfectly healthy.
But it was endangering a boundary wall and, in turn, endangering pedestrians in Dane Bank Road.
Tree surgeons arrived at 8.30am and spent most of the day removing the giant tree.
Cllr Bob Barr, who lives nearby, said. “It was with great regret that we watched this tree being removed.
“The difficult decision to remove this legally protected tree was made on the advice of Warrington Borough Council’s arboricultural officer, who works tirelessly to protect our trees whenever possible.
“In this case he, and building control officers, advised that any work to replace the wall would have damaged the roots of the tree, possibly terminally, so the tree would have then died anyway. A collapse would have endangered neighbouring houses.
“Sadly the tree, through no fault of its own, has grown too big for its location. We have enjoyed it for over 35 years. We will miss it greatly.”
