A DISPUTE over allegations of illegal tree felling is raging between the perpetrators, neighbours and Wychavon District Council.

Evesham pensioner Norris Hancox and a number of neighbours contacted the council when trees were felled in an area of woodland on the Four Pools Estate known as the Spinney.

Norris Hancox, aged 77, said he discovered the trees had been felled while he was out walking.

"When I went up there I thought a bomb had dropped - people cannot go in there felling trees like this," he said. "What would happen if everyone round here went up there with a chainsaw and cut the trees down."

Wychavon's officers have launched investigation and there is now a question mark over the ownership of the land.

Trees and forestry officer Sally Griffiths said: "We have had many calls from neighbours regarding this incident.

"I have been out and discovered some trees had been felled to the rear of a property in Aspen Close which may be in contravention of a tree preservation order that covers the area.

"We are still in the early stages of an investigation over the incident and are now trying to clear up a question of ownership."

A retrospective application to fell the trees has been submitted by the resident concerned, Lynsey Toms, of Aspen Close, which states the trees were felled to prevent overshadowing of her garden. She declined to comment to the Journal.

Sally Griffiths said she would be writing to everyone involved. "We need to get full information to assess the situation and it will then become an issue for our legal section to pursue if necessary."