Eye Cemetery campaigner ‘heartbroken’ after felling of site’s Leylandii trees

A campaigner who was trying to save two trees in her town’s cemetery says she is ‘heartbroken’ after they were felled yesterday.

Debra Houldey was hoping the subject of chopping down a pair of Leylandii trees in Eye Cemetery could have been fully discussed with the town.

But Eye Town Council voted to have them cut down at its meeting on September 18, despite residents handing in a petition with more than 250 signatures on it to save the trees.

The council said the decision was made as the trees were causing potential damage to graves, headstones, pathways and other structures within the site.

Ms Houldey said: “I am just heartbroken. It is a massive shame that the council just did not care and I feel they did not regard the opinions of residents as being important.”

Eye town mayor, Cllr Tunie Brandon, said the council had first asked for a budget of £5,000 for tree works in September 2023.

“A contract was accepted in March from qualified tree surgeon Nick Bobby to do other tree work as well as felling the two Leylandii,” said the mayor.

“As the monies for tree works were pre-approved, the matter did not have to go to full council for a vote, yet it was agreed to do so for transparency.”