Conservative Councillors in Caversham have reacted with fury over the chopping down of one of Caversham's oldest and best known trees, without ever been asked or consulted by the Labour Council.

Caversham councillor Andrew Cumpsty spotted that the horse chestnut tree had been chopped down on Westfield Rec. in Caversham, but he and the other ward Councillors were never asked or consulted about the decision.

Speaking about the action, Cllr Cumpsty said, "This Labour administration always go on about consultation and preserving open and green spaces, yet they went ahead and chopped down one of Caversham's oldest, biggest and most loved trees without telling any of the local Ward Councillors.  This beautiful tree had dominated the landscape around the Westfield Rec and Gosbrook Road area, with its beautiful foliage and imposing size and I am shocked that this Labour administration would casually cut down a tree of this nature without talking with the local Ward Councillors."

Cllr Cumpsty added, "I have written to Labour's lead Councillor asking him why we were not consulted about this decision and asking for reassurances that Labour will not go around chopping ancient trees like this in the future, without the full involvement of all the Ward Councillors."

8th February 2010