TREE FOR AXE?

A CONTROVERSIAL decision to fell a large redwood tree has taken another twist after it was called in for review by the council’s scrutiny committee.

The decision to cut down the 50ft sequoia as part of a Rhyddings Park revamp has sparked protests.

The park was awarded a £2m grant from the Heritage Lottery in January.

The decision to axe the tree has now been called in to Hyndburn council’s Overview and Scrutiny committee on August 11 by Oswaldtwistle councillor Judith Addison.

Coun Addison said ward councillors and residents were not given the chance to respond to the plans in the lottery bid consultation.

She said: “It was only at stage two that the relocation of the market cross and consequent felling of the sequoia tree were introduced. They did not feature in the stage one bid or in the planning consent for the refurbishment and improvement of the park.”

More than 2,000 people backed a petition in March calling for the tree to be saved, after which council leader Miles Parkinson put the scheme on hold.

In July, the full council then voted to save the tree, only for Coun Parkinson to overturn the recommendation at Cabinet the following week.

Scrutiny chiefs could send the decision back to Cabinet for review.