Former Extinction Rebellion man stops Brighton council tree workers

Former Extinction Rebellion warrior Stefan Lindon, 60, saw council contractors going at the tree outside his home in Western Road, Brighton, with chainsaws and took matters into his own hands.

Stefan and partner Katya Solyanko, 40, forced their way past the barriers meaning the five workers up the tree had to stop work for safety reasons.

“I demanded to know why they were chopping down the tree to which one of the workers replied, ‘Oh not another whinger’,” said furious Stefan.

It was then the impromptu eco duo got angry and whipped out their phones to film the incident.

“I went ballistic. The council manager, Neil, then turned up.

“But he didn’t give me any answers. No one told me why they were cutting it down.”

Stefan and Katya said they bought their property on the street partially due to their love of the “wonderful” ash tree, and to see it harmed shocked them.

“We will be back to carry on the protest when the workers come back, we won’t allow them to continue,” said Stefan.

Stefan and Katya at the tree (Image: The Argus)

But Brighton and Hove City Council told The Argus arboriculturists have been forced to act over safety fears presented by the pair’s beloved tree and another ash nearby.

“The trees are in poor health and at risk of becoming unsafe in a busy area of the city. So, sadly, we’re having to remove them,” said a city council spokesman.

The spokesman said the city council was not aware of the allegations made by Stefan against its contractor but will investigate.

He also confirmed the removal of the trees is unrelated to the current work taking place to improve Western Road.

“But our plans for Western Road do also include new trees. We intend to plant trees in ten new locations,” he said.