Tree case man fined

A resident who admitted chopping down 11 protected trees near to his Belbroughton home has been ordered to pay more than £7,000 in fines and costs.

Nigel Lauder, of High Street, pleaded guilty to felling trees protected by preservation orders when he appeared before Redditch Magistrates Court.

He was ordered to pay a £7,000 fine and £450 costs. He will also be ordered to plant new trees.

The court heard Bromsgrove District Council issued the preservation orders on March 23 last year - but Lauder felled the trees on April 30.One of the trees was a rare Bhutun Pine, which dated back to the late-1890s, and had been a feature of the High Street for many years.

Council officials said the case was a warning to all residents of the severe punishments for people who felled or damaged protected trees.

Woodland officer Andrew Bucklitch said it was vital residents and tree surgeons contacted the council to check if trees were protected.

"These trees were mature in age and had been a feature of Belbroughton High Street for many years. And one of them was a rare species," he added.

"The other species were Sycamore, Acacia, Holly and Yew. People must check whether trees are protected by orders before they begin any work. This is important."

Dave Hammond, head of planning and environment at the council, said the case, heard earlier this week, showed it would prosecute in cases such as this.

"The Council works hard to protect the environment and encourage local residents to do the same." he added.

"We will not tolerate people who deliberately ignore the law and will not hesitate to prosecute when necessary."

Lauder was unavailable when the Express & Star tried to reach him today.

By Lee Watton