A mature ash tree in Barnard Garden’s has been badly cut and damaged
Frustrated residents and councillors are calling on Merton Council to take action to protect valuable trees from unauthorised pruning work.
Barnard Gardens’ resident Joe Worth returned from work to find that the mature ash tree on his street had been badly cut back and may be seriously damaged.
The tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order so no work should have been done without Merton Council’s permission. It was protected by the Council a couple of years ago because of its value to the neighbourhood.
Already over 80% of Barnard Gardens’ residents have signed a petition organised by Mr Worth, calling on Merton Council to take action against those who have damaged this valuable tree.
Councillor Mary-Jane Jeanes said, “The symmetry of our beautiful, mature ash tree has been ruined by this work. We urge Council officers to take action to prevent further damage to our ash tree and to warn other people to respect the borough’s trees”.
Follow us @SW_Londoner
