Tree resists latest bid to have it cut down

An application for planning permission to fell the Italian black poplar outside mediaeval Holy Trinity Church in Hull was refused at a meeting of Hull Council’s planning committee yesterday.

The towering specimen, which was pollarded decades ago, has disturbed centuries-old gravestones laid flat in the 1970s and officials fear it could be undermining the church’s foundations.

Churchwarden Tim Wilson said: “We are very disappointed, we are doing our upmost for the survival of what is the civic church. The city should be proud of the fact it has such a magnificent piece of English architecture - it should not be masked by a tree that has outgrown its usefulness.”

Meanwhile City of York Council is appealing for information after three trees, valued at more than £25,000, were felled in Clarence Gardens, after the gates were locked last Saturday night.