Warning signs put up about Kenilworth tree felling a day too late
Trees on land off the north side of Rouncil Lane between Rouncil Farm to Roundshill Farm were felled yesterday morning (Thursday May 17), without any notice to nearby residents and walkers on the public footpath next to the site.
But signs warning people about the work have now been put up at the entrance to the footpath by landowner Christine Archer, who was granted a 'thinning licence' by the Forestry Commission to cut down 46 dead trees.
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Hide AdShe rents the land to county councillor Alan Cockburn, who is her brother-in-law.
Cllr Cockburn said: "She apologised for the delay in putting up notices explaining the tree work taking place that she has commissioned. They are now put up on the public footpath."
The trees were given Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in October last year to protect them from felling.
But licences from the Forestry Commission take precedence over TPOs.
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Hide AdThe felling caused anger among nearby residents yesterday, as well as Warwick district councillor Sue Gallagher, who lobbied for the TPOs to be issued in the first place.
A police officer visited the site yesterday, but could find 'no evidence' that any wildlife crimes had been committed after fears were raised over the felling happening during bird-nesting season.
The Forestry Commission has yet to comment on the situation.