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Homeowner landed with £900 bill after illegally cutting down trees

A homeowner has been hit with a £900 bill after cutting down trees on council owned land without permission.

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Cannock Chase Council began investigating after receiving a report that workers were removing trees on the Carfax Estate off Walsall Road in Rumer Hill.

They were spotted by a member of the public as the trees could clearly be seen from the road.

The two men were approached by the council's parks and open spaces team, questioned and evidence was taken from them. They revealed who was paying them to do the work.

Branches from the trees which were illegally removed

With the help of Staffordshire Police, the resident who ordered the works to be carried out was also questioned and eventually confessed to everything after previously being told by the council that the trees did not need pruning.

Court action was not pursued by the council but the man has to cough up £800 in costs - although that amount does not cover the full cost of replacing the felled trees.

Councillor Christine Mitchell, culture and sport portfolio leader, said: "Although the funds will not fully cover the costs and compensate for the loss and damage, we are happy that an agreement could be reached to replace the trees.

"We hope this will send a clear message to residents that Cannock Council and the police take this matter very seriously, and will tackle criminal damage to public property or assets."

She added: "As the resident confessed and agreed that they would pay to replant the trees, this particular incident was kept out of court."

It is illegal for residents, who have been told by Cannock Chase Council that they will not prune or remove a tree, to then pay someone else to do it.

The council could prosecute offenders where such works are undertaken without formal consent.

Trees will be felled or pruned if they are deemed dangerous, diseased or deceased, or if the tree is causing damage or disrepair to a council property.

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