Man fined for felling tree

A man has been fined thousands of pounds for felling a tree under a preservation order.

Mr John Harvey, of Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, was fined £2500 and ordered to pay £2500 costs for the wilful destruction of a protected tree. The 66-year-old also has to pay a statutory charge of £150 following being found guilty at Burnley Magistrates.

Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, whose portfolio includes planning enforcement, said:

“Felling trees under a preservation order is a serious offence. Preservation orders are made for a reason, to protect our most important trees. While we always see prosecution as a last resort, we will always take swift action to uphold orders. I hope this will serve as a warning to others that breaching these orders can land you with a criminal conviction and a very heavy fine.”