THREE people taken to court for cutting down a protected tree claim they were told they could do so by Arun District Council – which then prosecuted them.
Pam Anderson, who runs the Scotch Dyke residential home in Beehive Lane, Ferring, was told by independent health and safety inspectors to take action against a Corsican pine tree as the roots could trip up her residents.
Ms Anderson claims both her, a neighbour and parish councillor Wendy Ross, the parish council's tree preservation officer, were told by Arun Council staff there was no tree preservation order on the tree, which would have prevented the work.
The minutes of a meeting of Ferring Parish Council on September 17, 2007, refer to Mrs Ross being "misinformed" and the suggestion she write to Arun District Council.
Cut downMs Anderson, tree surgeon Steve Wadey and gardener Mark Molica-Franco were all prosecuted by Arun District Council for ordering and cutting down parts of the tree last September.
Ms Anderson and Mr Molica-Franco admitted the offences and received an absolute discharge by Worthing magistrates last month.
Ms Anderson said she pleaded guilty because she didn't have the time or money to fight the case, but felt the sentence, and the magistrates' refusal to make any order for costs against her, reflected their sympathy for her case.
Investigation"I would like to ask what investigation the council will do to find out why they told everyone what they told me," said Ms Anderson.
"I'm not out to get anyone into trouble.
"I just want the facts told as it happened and to put the record straight.
"It suggests I did something very wrong and I didn't.
"I followed instructions.
"It was not our fault the council is handing out the wrong information."
AdamantAn Arun spokesman said its tree experts were adamant no incorrect information was given but said an investigation would take place if Mrs Ross wrote to complain.
The Herald asked readers to vote online on whether they thought it was right to prosecute the three people involved in the tree felling.
The result has 39 per cent choosing no, with 61 per cent opting for yes.
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