Officers seek further information after healthy birch cut down

Ealing Council is investigating what they say is an act of criminal damage after a tree was deliberately chopped down.

The semi-mature healthy Birch tree, next to Boston Express shop on Darwin Road in W5, was cut down and destroyed illegally on Saturday 11 May.

Posters have gone up and houses on the road have had leaflets delivered as officers try and find witnesses or cctv footage, with the aim of prosecuting.

The council poster reads: ''The cutting was undertaken in an unprofessional and reckless manner;with complete disregard for public safety and it is fortunate that no-one was injured.

"The tree was dismantled on Sunday 12th May by Council contractors (Advanced Tree Services) and at a cost to local tax payers. Vandalism and destruction of public property is an offence under the Criminal Damage Act of 1971 and the Council holds to the principle that all incidents are investigated thoroughly: seeking prosecution against anyone found to be undertaking unauthorised action to its trees and where appropriate applying the maximum penalty. Using an asset valuation method that has been recognised by the courts; the Tree Service can quantify the worth of a tree as an asset to the borough.

"In this instance the Birch tree in Darwin Road has been evaluated: prior to the vandalism the tree had a value of £7,410 and this value (plus costs) the authority and the police will seek to recover though the courts.

"Trees provide many benefits to the general population and to the environment as a whole. They help trap carbon dioxide, filter dust from the air, provide shade from harmful ultra-violet radiation, and, as well as being pleasing to look at they reflect the changes in the seasons. The Council and most residents of the London Borough of Ealing believe street trees are an essential amenity and environmental asset that needs to be cherished and looked after; therefore we need your help.

"If you witnessed any of this vandalism, have CCTV or dash-cameras or know who may be responsible, please contact the Tree Service, in strictest confidence, so that the Council and the Police may carry out appropriate investigations. If you have any information, please feel free to contact the Ealing Council Tree Section (in the strictest confidence)."

They can be reached on Trees@ealing.gov.uk or call Customer Services on 020 8825 6000

21 May 2019