Furious residents in Hythe, Hampshire, expressed their anger towards the local council for cutting down a beloved tree in a seafront park. The tree, a Scot Pine that held sentimental value as part of the local football club and parish council logos, was removed due to its deteriorating condition following an inspection earlier this year.
The decision to fell the tree was made by the Hythe and Dibden council after confirming a significant decline in its health. In response, a six-foot stump was left behind, with plans to replace it with an Ulmus tree that can withstand salt, floods, and strong winds as part of the “New Horizon” project.
Despite the council’s explanation for the removal, some residents likened the incident to the illegal felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in 2023. Garry Brown, one resident, lamented the loss, stating that the landscape now lacks its former charm. Another resident, Tony Elliott, shared similar sentiments, recalling the tree as a cherished spot for special gatherings.
Councillor Mark Clark defended the council’s decision, emphasizing that it was based on professional advice regarding the tree’s irreversible decline. He clarified that the action was taken in the interest of public safety and the community’s well-being. The stump left behind will be transformed into a community sculpture, and the wood will be repurposed by local groups.
While acknowledging the emotional attachment to the tree, councillor Alex Wade reiterated the necessity of the decision for the area’s future. The council assured residents that the process was carried out with care and consideration for the community’s safety and environment.