Campaigner angry as tree cull continues (From Times Series)

Campaigner angry as Mill Hill tree cull continues

4:00pm Tuesday 9th October 2012 in News By Emma Innes

A 60-year-old from Mill Hill is angry that despite repeated complaints a bank of trees near his home continues to be destroyed.

George Maile, of Burtonhole Close, is calling for Barnet Borough Council to prevent the killing of trees at the Old Camdenians Football Club, also in Burtonhole Close.

Mr Maile, who is retired and lives next door to the club, initially contacted the Times Series about the problem on September 19.

At this point he claimed that a number of trees in the “naturally beautiful tree line” had already been cleared and that more were in danger.

He believes that the trees were being cleared as part of work to create a cricket pitch, but that the tree clearance is not necessary.

Mr Maile wanted the council to step in to prevent any more trees dying.

Mr Maile said: “There is no reason for these trees to go – they have been there for more than 100 years.

“I don’t know what the motive is. It is a real shame.

“This is a green belt area so it is just incredible that no one seems to be able to stop the destruction.

“The council doesn’t seem to be bothered. They haven’t done anything.”

Now, despite Mr Maile’s complaints to the council and to the club, the destruction continues and on Friday two oak trees were cut down.

Mr Maile said: “There was nothing wrong with those trees but they were just cut down and carted away.

“The worst thing is that more are also marked – I guess it is just a free for all.”

In a statement Barnet Council said: “The trees are not protected by Tree Preservation Orders and do not fall within a conservation area.

“This means no prior permission needs to be obtained from the council for works to be carried out to the trees.”

The Times Series has been unable to get in contact with the Old Camdenians Football Club.