The trees in Fradley before they were chopped down
The trees in Fradley before they were chopped down

Fradley residents have contacted Lichfield’s MP after two trees were cut down by an energy company.

The trees, which were planted in 1977 to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, were removed on May 12 by tree surgeons on behalf of power company E.on.

An E.on spokesman sad that the company had statutory powers to deal with potentially dangerous trees. In this case, although the trees were healthy, it was feared that “children might climb the trees and reach the power cables”.

Fradley and Streethay Parish Council has now been in touch with the area’s MP Michael Fabricant as well as the energy firm.

As a result the Conservative MP is now corresponding with the Dept of Environment regarding the law in this instance and is also seeking assurances from E.on and their contractors that in future parish councils will receive advance notification of such actions.

This week a meeting is being arranged onsite between representatives from Eon, the Parish Council and Lichfield District Council to discuss how the issue can be resolved.

As replacement trees could once again grow large enough to conflict with power lines, new trees may be planted elsewhere in the village and an alternative feature, such as an attractive shrubbery, may be put on the triangle instead.