A resident of Crail has accused Fife Council of vandalism, after it cut a row of mature trees “back to the stumps”.
The Courier was contacted by lifelong Crail resident Doreen Scott (74), who said the trees at Victoria Gardens had stood for more than a century but had been slashed right back, leading to “outrage” from a number of residents.
Mrs Scott said: “Some bright spark decided last summer they should start chopping the trees back. Apparently there had been a complaint about leaves dropping.
“The trees have been there for more than 100 years. It’s a disgrace. They started cutting at the end of last year but now they are cutting the branches.
“I’ve been trying to get hold of someone at Fife Council to complain but I can’t get through.”
Crail Community Council chairman Dr Jack Jarvis told The Courier the pruning work was vital to stop decay setting in.
Speaking ahead of the matter being raised at last night’s community council meeting, Dr Jarvis said: “They are being cut back towards the main stem. They have not been cut for 20 years at least and they are somewhat large.
“The tree surgeon says they have cracks in the bark, at the area of the trunks, and decay could set in if pruning does not take place.
“A lot of work has been done to tend to the flower beds in Victoria Gardens and improve the quality of the grass. The advice from the Fife Council tree people is that this work is vital.
“Unfortunately, it’ll be five years until they grow any greenery again but the trees are so substantial they’ll be fine. They’ll look good again in five to 10 years.”
East Neuk and Landward Lib Dem councillor Elizabeth Riches said: “The Victoria Gardens are viewed with affection by the people of Crail and so any cutting down of trees will seem like actions too far.
“If there is doubt about the health of the trees remaining as they were, in the long run the gardens will benefit from this seemingly radical treatment. It is good to hear the trees are strong enough to take this.”
Fellow Councillor Donald Macgregor said he was not concerned about the pruning, adding: “I completely agree with Dr Jarvis. Trees can regenerate and these will.”
malexander@thecourier.co.uk