Sycamore felled at Needham

RESIDENTS have been left outraged after a mature tree that had been growing near their town pond for decades was felled.One mature sycamore tree near the pond at Hurstlea Road, Needham Market, was removed and one rotten tree was felled from behind the town's Limes Hotel.

RESIDENTS have been left outraged after a mature tree that had been growing near their town pond for decades was felled.

One mature sycamore tree near the pond at Hurstlea Road, Needham Market, was removed and one rotten tree was felled from behind the town's Limes Hotel.

Mid Suffolk District Council has apologised for not informing Needham Market Town Council before removing the tree by the pond, but promised it would be replaced.

But Brian Crascall, of Bosmere Court, Needham Market, said: "We want our trees saved, we want preservation orders on them. A lot of people are upset about this tree at the pond, it's left a hell of a gap in that area. Everyone is upset at losing the trees, we really need to preserve them in our town."

The loss of the tree near the duck pond has disappointed families in Needham Market and Wendy Marchant, one of the district councillors for the town, said: "Some residents are very concerned.

"One of our officers has apologised for not informing the town council before hand that the tree at the pond was to be taken down.

"But it had developed a large cavity and to make it safe would have disfigured it. It was better to remove it and plant a new one.

"There are five trees behind the Limes Hotel and three have preservation orders. The one that was removed was rotten and did not have an order on it."