RED LIGHT FOR HOUSEHOLDER'S APPLICATION TO CHOP DOWN SEVEN CORSICAN PINE TREES

Future remains uncertain for these Corsican pines

SEVEN mature Corsican pine trees in a Grimsby-area village  have been saved from the chop - at least for the time being.

Householder Antony Randell sought permission to remove seven of the trees at 94 Station Road, claiming that cones and bird droppings were raining down on his driveway which was additionally being damaged by root activity.

However, the trees are covered by a preservation order.

North East Lincolnshire Council has refused Mr Randell's application on the basis that insufficient evidence has been produced to provide such a drastic measure.

It believes loss of the trees  would have "a significant adverse impact on the visual amenity" of this location which is within the Great Coates conservation area.

However, this might not be the end of the story because Mr Randell has the right of appeal.

* Ornithological footnote: the he trees are likely  provide habitat for a number of unusual bird species including coal tits, goldcrests and occasional visiting parties of rare crossbills.