Local residents and campaigners have shared their shock at the severity of the pollarding of an old poplar tree at The Crystal Palace pub in Berkhamsted.
They say the works, which took place on October 17, are not consistent with the pub’s promise to leave the tree as it was.
Punch Pub Co, which owns The Crystal Palace, previously submitted an application to fell the tree. However, Berkhamsted Town Council voiced their opposition to the plan.
Dacorum Borough Council then overruled this recommendation. Following a campaign from residents, it was agreed that the tree would remain standing.
Following this, residents were shocked to find the tree had been severely cut back last month.
A representative from The Crystal Palace said: “The tree was diseased and needed to be cut back. This was not a decision made by the pub but by the council.”
Many have expressed concern as to the long-term intentions of the pub for both the poplar and the other trees on the site.
Local campaigner Maggie Procopi and Station Road resident Jane Keenan met with a representative from Punch Pub Co on Monday, October 23, to discuss the tree, its pollarding, and to receive a formal update on the situation.
Both Maggie and Jane suggested that a statement from the pub should be issued urgently.
Jane said: “Regrettably, this statement has yet to be received, but during the conversation, we were also informed the pub plans to reinstall the unapproved stretch tent over the area prior to the end of the month.”
Dacorum Borough Council has been contacted for comment.
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