A homeowner in Westminster has been left fuming after council workers unexpectedly chopped down trees in his garden, stripping away years of carefully nurtured privacy.
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims he received no prior warning before workers arrived and began cutting down the mature trees that shielded his property from public view.
'I'm absolutely devastated,' he told reporters. 'These trees were here when I moved in over a decade ago. They provided privacy, shade, and were home to wildlife. Now it's all gone in a matter of hours.'
Council Defends Action
Westminster Council has defended the tree removal, stating the action was taken due to concerns about root damage to nearby pavements. A spokesperson said: 'We have a duty to maintain public footpaths and prevent potential trip hazards.'
However, the homeowner disputes this explanation: 'If there was a genuine safety issue, why wasn't I consulted? There were alternatives like root barriers that could have been considered.'
Neighbourhood Backlash
The incident has sparked anger among other residents in the area, with many taking to social media to express their support for the affected homeowner.
- One neighbour described the council's actions as 'heavy-handed and unnecessary'
- Another commented on the loss of green space in urban areas
- Several residents have reported similar experiences with the council's tree policy
Local environmental groups have also weighed in, criticising what they see as a lack of transparency in the council's decision-making process regarding urban trees.
What Happens Next?
The homeowner is considering legal action and has started a petition demanding better consultation procedures for future tree works. Meanwhile, the council has offered to plant replacement shrubs - an offer the resident has dismissed as inadequate.
'You can't replace decades of growth with a few saplings,' he said. 'The damage is done, and it will take a generation to recover what we've lost.'
