A Lichfield woman has been hit with a bill for almost £3,000 after damaging a protected tree in her garden.
Lesley Doram pleaded guilty to having the unauthorised work carried out on a Sycamore at her Auchinleck Drive home that was likely to destroy it.
She apologised to Lichfield District Council during the hearing at Stafford Magistrates’ Court.
Mrs Doram was fined £1,500 – reduced to £1,000 due to her early guilty plea – and made to pay costs to the council of £1,870 as well as a victim surcharge of £100 – a total of £2,970.
Councillor Ian Pritchard, Cabinet member for environment at Lichfield District Council, said: “This case shows how seriously the court takes breaches in tree preservation orders.
“I urge anyone who is considering works to a tree in their garden to find out whether it is protected. You can do this by contacting the council who will be able to advise you.”
For details on protected trees contact Lichfield District Council’s arboricutural team on 01543 308207 or 308185 or email arboriculture@lichfielddc.gov.uk.
