As I write, the tallest tree in our locality is being felled. Colebrook Road in Withdean is in the heart of this wooded area of Brighton.

However, the old trees around here are being felled more and more frequently and Withdean is starting to lose its distinctive character.

This particular tree was one of only a few left when a house and wooded garden were demolished to make way for half a dozen new houses. I believe a preservation order was put on the tree to preserve the character of the road.

However, this clearly hasn't stopped the new householders getting rid of it now they have moved in.

Why move to a beautiful wooded area if you are going to get rid of the trees? Surely they are worth preserving. After all, they have been around a lot longer than any of us.

  • Clare Cheetham, Brighton