The chop beckons for five trees in the grounds of Humberston's grand old Wesleyan chapel

Five trees in the grounds of the Wesleyan chapel, which was built in 1907, are due to be felled.

FIVE trees are likely to be felled ahead of works to convert Humberston's 118-year-old Wesleyan chapel to private accommodation.

Two of them - an ash and elm - are thought to be dying or already dead, but some villagers will lament the felling of three attractive holly trees, especially two at the front of the property.

So long as they are not causing a danger to the public, it is generally North East Lincolnshire Council's policy to protect mature, healthy trees.

However, the policy appears to have been disregarded in respect of the hollies, even though they are within a conservation area.

NELC's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, says there is "no reason to object" to their removal, noting that either they will be "in conflict with proposed vehicle access" or that they are of "insufficient amenity value" to Humberston Avenue.

Mature, healthy . . and doomed. One of the holly trees (front)

Also to be felled is this fine variegated specimen