Phantom feller is posing as surgeon to hack down trees

A “PHANTOM tree feller” posing as a local authority tree surgeon who has been cutting down mature oaks and willows is being urgently sought.

Slough council has issued a warning to residents after six “substantial” trees were felled in Upton Court Park. The authority said a chainsaw had been used and the damage was not caused by “some kids mucking about”.

The first tree was cut down six months ago but it was initially believed to be a “one-off ”. But five more trees have since been either completely felled or stripped of their branches.

Joginder Bal, of Slough Borough Council, said: “This damage is not from some kids mucking about and nor is it accidental. Someone is going out of their way to fell some of the large trees in Upton Court Park. These are not broken saplings, it would take a chainsaw to do the immense damage we have seen. Our trees are precious and the only time we would fell a tree would be if it was dead, diseased or dangerous.”

The council urged members of the public to call the police if anyone was seen felling trees in the park.