Biblical tree chopped

A TREE of biblical proportions has been felled in the former grounds of Essex Hall, Walthamstow.

A 60ft-high false acacia was chopped down last week without any apparent consultation with neighbours or local authorities.

This species of tree is referred to in the Bible under its botanical name of the Locust, when John the Baptist ate its fruit with wild honey.

In this case the tree had been standing in the grounds between Billet Road and The Mile End since Denis Weston moved into his house in 1933.

His garden backs on to that of new residents who had the tree brought down within a week of moving in.

Mr Weston, 73, said: "Just a phone call to the tree choppers from neighbours who recently moved in can result in a lovely tree being butchered.

"It was not in a position to do any harm.

"With the birds' nests and the animals that play in it, it becomes part of your life.

"It saddens me to see such a beautiful tree butchered so callously and ignorantly in a few hours."

A council spokesman said: "Sadly, the council has no power to stop people cutting down trees on private property.

"The only exception is if a tree has a preservation order on it. Unfortunately there is no preservation order on trees either in the Billet Road property or the one backing on to it."

13:00 Friday 17th May 2002

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