Wealthy residents under suspicion as two 30ft trees spoiling sea view in Bournemouth are injected with poison
This article reminds us of the extreme things seemingly normal people will do when they have their own challenged agenda. I remember tales of a policeman being behind local vandalism in response to a plan to introduce affordable housing into a village he lived in. It all makes me think about the challenges facing local authorities at all levels in seeking to harness local democracy and good sense in the interests of local services around themes such as neighbourhood planning. The article tells us:
An investigation has been launched after two mature trees were drilled into and poisoned in an attack believed to have been committed by a homeowner in order to improve their sea view.
Residents in the picturesque West Cliff area of Bournemouth, Dorset, were furious after they discovered the sophisticated attempt to kill off the pair of 30ft Scots pines.
They believe the trees have been deliberately poisoned so they will have to be felled, giving a better view of Poole Bay from luxury flats overlooking the cliff and leading to a potential increase in property values.
Council officials are now investigating the criminal damage, which has involved someone making numerous drill holes deep into the trunks of the two trees to pour in poisonous chemicals.