Residents' dismay after mature trees felled at Carlisle site

The site was in Durranhill Road in Botcherby and it is believed that some of the trees were more than 100 years old.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said he witnessed the tree felling on New Year's Eve and, when he tried to contact Cumberland Council, there was no response.

He added: "No-one in the street was aware of the works until it was too late."

Local independent ward councillor, Robert Betton, was also concerned about what happened and said he was "absolutely devastated", along with other residents, to see the various trees “destroyed” and “felled in front of his very eyes”.

AFTER... The site in Duranhill Road, Botcherby, Carlisle, after the trees were felled. (Image: Ian Duncan)

He said he remembered the trees from when he was a young child and added: "I just could not believe it when I heard a chainsaw and saw a JCB extended jib claw knocking the veteran trees and bushes down so close to the wall, public footpath of Durranhill Road and other boundaries of buildings on the edges of a conservation area."

Cllr Betton wondered whether the council had been informed and he was concerned about the local ecology of the area which he claimed had bats, birds and other wildlife.

He said: "Only one tree remains which is very high and too close to a BT pole and phone lines."

AFTER... The site in Duranhill Road, Botcherby, Carlisle, after the trees were felled. (Image: Ian Duncan)

Artur Kajda, who is a dog trainer and originally from Poland, lives across the road from the site and said he was surprised when he heard the noises made by the machines being used to cut down the trees.

He said the view had been completely changed added: "It was a crazy picture and everything has changed. I feel like I've lost something."

Andrew Malster, a former air traffic controller who lives in nearby Wood Street, said he was 'very surprised' by what had happened and he was sad to see the trees go.

BEFORE... The site in Durranhill Road, Botcherby, Carlisle, with the trees before they were felled. (Image: Ian Duncan)

However, he felt the residents should have been consulted before the trees were felled.

Ben Henderson, the manager of Neil McBrearty Carpets which is right next to the site, said he had heard the the site had recently been sold.

He said the first he knew of what had happened was when he opened the business on Tuesday morning. He said: "It doesn't bother me and I think it opens it up a little bit."

BEFORE... The site in Durranhill Road, Botcherby, Carlisle, with the trees before they were felled. (Image: Google Streetview)

A Cumberland Council spokeswoman said: “We are not aware of any planned development on the site.

"As the area is not within a conservation area and the trees weren’t protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) no planning permission was required from the council.

"However due to the volume of trees felled, we will make the Forestry Authority aware.”