Trees removed 'in error' from land on the Berwick Harbour Commission estate
The removal of two rowan trees from Port of Berwick land has been criticised.
Berwick Harbour Commission has issued a statement on the matter, including that they were “removed in error” and two replacement rowan trees will be planted on the site near Berwick Old Bridge.
But Julian Smart, spokesman for local residents’ group Berwick Heritage, has criticised the commission and called for an investigation.
He has also raised concerns about items including a Victorian angel and child statue being removed from the site as well.
Mr Smart said: “Two well-established and beloved rowan trees and two monuments, including a cherished Victorian angel and child statue, have been summarily removed from the heart of Tweedmouth.
“Residents’ interaction with the workmen before and after the felling suggest that they knew that this was a sensitive site. The outpouring of sadness and anger on social media shows how much these trees and the statues meant to local people.
“We hope that there is a thorough and transparent investigation into who authorised this. We will be holding the Harbour Commission to their promise to replant – but they must be mature trees. We would also like an update on the condition of the two statues.”
In relation to why the tress were removed, David Calder, Berwick Harbour Commission chief executive officer, said: “During landscaping and grading work of a grass area within the Berwick Harbour Commission estate, two self-seeding rowan trees were removed in error.
“We have informed Northumberland County Council of this unfortunate incident and we have offered to replant two rowan trees on the site.”
Berwick Harbour Commission declined to make any further comment in response to Mr Smart’s comment.