A BIRDLIP resident is appealing to the government over Cotswold District Council’s decision to protect one of his trees.

Mr Chris Partridge appealed to the Secretary of State for the Environment to let him remove an Ash tee from the garden of one of his properties despite a tree protection order being in force.

The district council previously argued that the tree was valuable to the village and added to its character, stating that it was clearly visible from nearby roads and in relatively good health.

Mr Partridge argued in his appeal that the tree is now screened by a 1.8m wall, is in poor health and that there are other trees in the area.

The appeal will be decided under the fast-track procedure with no further comments to be accepted.