OUTRAGE has been expressed after a housing association cut down a healthy tree in Ludlow.

It is being alleged that only prompt action prevented a second tree suffering the same fate at the hands of contractors working for Shropshire Housing.

“Ludlow lost a perfectly fine sycamore tree, which was cut down unnecessarily by a housing association,” said Andy Boddington, who represents Ludlow North on Shropshire Council.

“The second tree was saved with moments to spare after interventions by us councillors and Shropshire Council’s tree team.

“Two very fine sycamore trees stood on the green at the bottom of Charlton Rise on the corner of Sheet Road, part of the Sidney Road social housing site.

“These trees have been growing for decades. They were very healthy trees and no threat to anyone. They were also part of the local scene, walked and driven past by hundreds of people every day.”

Tracey Huffer, who represents Ludlow East, said that she started to receive complaints that the trees were being felled.

Calls were made to Shropshire Council’s tree expert Douglas Purse.

“He was already on the case,” said Andy Boddington.

“I was really upset by what I saw when I got to the green.”

“I spoke to the contractors, who were very polite and understood our concerns. I got the impression they could not fathom why they had been ordered to cut down two healthy trees. We agreed that no work would begin on the second tree for a couple of hours to allow negotiations.

“Dougald Purce had reached agreement with South Shropshire Housing that the second tree would not be felled – for now at least.”

A statement from Paul Sutton, Executive Director for Assets and Development with Shropshire Housing, has sought to defend the cutting on the grounds of cost.

“We appreciate the sensitivity associated with trees, however, the costs associated with trees are borne by our residents,” he said.

“It is imperative that we mitigate these costs to allow our tenancies to remain affordable. One tree was cut down, however, upon discussions with tenants and a representative of the council it has been agreed that a more appropriate smaller tree will be planted in the near future.”