Vicar quits residents’ group over trees dispute

Rev Chris Colledge from Dorset accused the association of endorsing vandalism for wanting to remove the rotting trees.

Rev Colledge of the West Cliff Residents’ Association told The Daily Telegraph: “The wildlife, birds and lovely trees make the area what it is.

“I cannot support criminal intention and activity.”

A homeowner is believed to have drilled into three trees in 2016 and put poison inside in a plot to improve their sea view.

Arboricultural experts from Bournemouth council confirmed the trees all tested positive for very high levels of the substance herbicide glyphosate, according to local reports.

Saplings planted next to the trees were also damaged.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting crime number 55160093780.

A vicar has resigned as chairman of a residents’ group over their approval to remove poisoned trees.