Home threat over tree case

A green-fingered Staffordshire man says he fears losing his home after he was handed fines and costs totalling £2,500 for pruning a tree in his front garden which had a preservation order placed on it.

Rickey Reaney, of Silver Fir Close, Hednesford, says he has been left sick with worry after being hit with a £1,500 fine and £1,000 court costs. Mr Reaney, aged 44, lopped about 5ft off the the semi-mature cherry blossom tree in January and was prosecuted at Stafford Crown Court.

He faced a charge for wilful damage in a way likely to destroy the tree.

Mr Reaney elected to have his case heard in crown court rather than magistrates court but subsequently changed his plea and admitted knowledge of the preservation order.

Mr Reaney said: "I can't sleep through the worry this has given to both myself and my wife. I could lose my home.

"I think it is disgusting how much I have had to pay in fines and court costs. I did take around five foot off the tree but it is growing back again very quickly. I think they have treated me very harshly."

Councillor Tony Williams, Cannock Chase Council's environment leader said: "Tree Preservation Orders exist for a reason, namely to protect mature trees and our natural environment.

"It is no excuse for a resident to say they do not know about an existing order as this should be made known when a property is bought. In law ignorance of a TPO is no defence. Anyone who is not sure if a TPO exists on their property should contact the council before carrying out any work.

"Where a resident knows there is a TPO and chooses to ignore it, as in this case, it shows a wilful disregard of the law. Our officers will not hesitate to pursue such cases through the courts."