CAMPAIGNERS have slammed a decision to cut down an iconic 50ft tree in an Hyndburn park as part of £2million redevelopment plans.

The sequoia tree in Rhyddings Park is likely to be gone by the end of the year following a decision made by Hyndburn Council’s cabinet yesterday.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The decision, which council leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, claimed was “difficult”, was made despite councillors voting to keep the tree at a meeting earlier this month.

Mr Parkinson claimed keeping the tree could jeopardise the Heritage Lottery redevelopment plans which include restoring the coach house, bringing the walled garden back into use and creating a performance space.

Council chiefs commissioned a report into the tree after more than 2,000 people signed a petition calling for it to be saved.

Claiming the tree had been planted in the wrong place, Cllr Parkinson said the decision was taken to remove it. He said: “To keep the tree would mean additional costs in the long term. There would be an ongoing cost in maintaining it.

“Of course the tree is an emotive issue. A lot of people signed the petition. This is just one of those unfortunate decisions that have to be made.”

He said the decision about when to cut it down will be up to the parks manager, but he expects it will be gone by the end of the year.

Mum Samantha Haslove, 40, who set up the petition, said they were planning a protest outside the council offices.

She said: “The council has completely ignored what the majority wanted. What is the point in them voting? What is the point in that process if they are doing what they want? That’s not democracy.

“If they can do it with the tree they can do that with anything and that’s frightening.

“The majority of the residents want this tree to stay. It is something we have grown up with. The younger ones have grown up climbing it. It’s the focal point of the park.”

Mrs Haslove also disputed the council’s claim that keeping the tree would affect the Heritage Lottery bid.

Cllr Peter Britcliffe said the process has been “an absolute fiasco”. He said: “There had been no consultation, crucially with ward councillors. When they found out it was to go they were very unhappy about it and understandably as it’s a beautiful tree.”

He said his understanding was if the report commissioned found the tree to be okay it would stay. “The report justified the tree remaining.

“The vote was to remain, but lo and behold the tree is now coming down. I think people will be very unhappy. It’s been a total sham.”