Forum Topic

David Parsons · 5/13/2019 11:30:00 AM

new.EalingToday.co.uk Communtity Forum Topic posting

Nasty Neighbour

A very nasty neighbour just chopped down one of the lovely trees on Darwin Road ( near the shop). Happened on Saturday as council offices were closed so no-one could stop him. How dare you!!!! The tree wasn't YOURS!!

David Parsons ● 2177d47 Comments

Yep, sums up ole "Several Houses, Two Jobs, 'It's the Tory cuts!' and his Southall Posse's doctrines perfectly.

Rosco White ● 2047d

If it involves making an effort then they won’t deal with it. A dropped tissue in Ealing Broadway on the other hand will see the wrath of God dropped on your head!

Simon Hayes ● 2047d

You won't get much joy from our Lefty Council, they're often too weak willed to do anything about anything.

Rosco White ● 2047d

The notices are still up. No obvious evidence of a prosecution. Maybe the Council should invest in one of those fake trees they used for observation in No Mans Land in WWI. Stick a camera in it and away you go....

Simon Hayes ● 2047d

Has anything ever been done or is this just another case of 'crime pays'?

Mari Austin ● 2048d

Isn't Darwin Road short of a few trees?

Philippa Bond ● 2168d

16/05/19 18:03:00 owner of various taxi companies wrote; "Dear Parties concerned, I am the owner of the Taxi Company and have no knowledge of who has damaged and chopped the Tree" Yet on 17/05/19 18:38:00 owner of various taxi companies wrote; "I have today sent CCTV to Ealing Council showing that last Saturday the Tree fell on its own with high winds" 16/05/19 18:08:00 owner of various taxi companies wrote; "I suggest as you know when the tree was chopped, ask the shop keeper for his CCTv which is directly pointed to his side door and the tree" 17/05/19 18:38:00 owner of various taxi companies wrote; "I have today sent CCTV to Ealing Council showing that last Saturday the Tree fell on its own with high winds", That was 6 DAYS AFTER THE EVENT and ONLY THEN DID HE SEND IN HIS OWN CCTV footage to the authorities. 16/05/19 18:20:00 owner of various taxi companies wrote; "...has nothing to do with the corner shop, We do not even know them by name" 16/05/19 18:16:00 owner of various taxi companies wrote; "we care about our Residents and the relationship we have with them” And yet he claims not to even know his nearest neighbour who is also his nearest fellow business owner. His business is at number 232 and neighbour is at number 234!! 16/05/19 18:16 owner of various taxi companies wrote; "I did not see anyone write a Thank you on this Forum when we spread grit on the whole of Darwin Road ..". That was because it was felt that the grit had been put down for the benefit of the various TAXI companies that are run from that road. 17/05/19 18:38:00 owner of various taxi companies wrote "... our cars are all Ulez Compliant with the lowest emissions". Presumably that was done for the residents benefit too!?! As it appears that besides a shop @ #234 there are apparently several Taxi companies registered to @#232. There is always the possibility that at least one shop worker or perhaps a taxi driver could have been on 'standby' at those premises and maybe heard/viewed exactly what happened. If they're sitting at # 232 and there is the sound of a chainsaw @ #234, didn't someone - anyone bother to enquire or would that be the same person/s who didn't hear or see anything when the other tree was chopped down outside #232, or was that the wind too?

David Parsons ● 2168d

I expect you are correct in that assumption. I doubt the CCTV 'footage' showing the tree blowing down will materialise. Perhaps that too was blown away in those very strong winds....

Simon Hayes ● 2168d

What odds that no-one will swing for this through "lack of evidence."? ;-)

Rosco White ● 2169d

Sherlock suggests, "Whoever first said the tree was 'blown down' probably had a saw in his hand at some point in the past ten days."Mycroft would be so proud.

Tony Heath ● 2169d

As there are several taxi companies registered to the same address, namely CHISWICK PARK EXECUTIVE CARS LTD., CHISWICK CARS LTD, SKY EXECUTIVE CARS LTD., XPRESS CARS LTD., SOUTHALL MOT TESTING & REPAIR CENTRE LTD., BOSTON MANOR LTD., they may be willing to help find out who illegally chopped down 2 trees outside/opposite their premises

Mari Austin ● 2169d

Well, as has been posted, there is CCTV footage of the tree (which has obviously been cut down) "falling over in the wind" (when there wasn't any appreciable wind) then I hope that the CRIMINAL who did this is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

N V Brooks ● 2169d

It appears that the matter is now being investigated by Ealing Council, see article on the front page of this website.

Tony Heath ● 2169d

Yes, just viewing trees can make you feel less stressed and it is well known that patients in hospital with a view out of a window get well quicker.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/05/06/being-around-trees-makes-you-less-stressed--study/

Philippa Bond ● 2171d

Well said Simon! "Looking at the pictures of this tree it has clearly been cut across with a straight edged implement, probably a saw. Much like the tree across the road from this one which was cut down some four feet above the ground. Just fancy there being such a coincidence at the one end of Darwin Road! Totally agree with you Simon!

David Parsons ● 2172d

Presumably your CCTV footage will show the person/persons who cut through the tree, either before or after it ‘blew down’.It will presumably show the person/persons who propped the tree up against the adjacent building. In my experience trees that fall down of their own accord stay fallen.There was no strong wind last Saturday so it’s dubious to claim that was the cause of the tree falling over.

Simon Hayes ● 2172d

We have sent our CCTV footage which is probably more than anyone else, Please stop mentioning my Business as it has nothing to do with us, we are open to anyone visiting us to discuss this, I do not need to hide behind a computer and accuse people, Mr Parsons I await an apology, I have nothing to hide so do not accuse me or my business or I will have to consult my legal Team as you are damaging our reputation on a Public Forum, I will now in this tough climate concentrate on running my Business

Manoj Teji ● 2172d

There were certainly no gale force winds blowing at the Hanwell Hootie last Saturday. Would have blown all the tents away.In my experience as a gardener when trees are blown down they tend to tear at a weak point (as seen when the really strong winds hit the area a few weeks ago). Or they are literally uprooted.Trees are adapted to cope with winds of even quite ferocious strength, they sway with the wind. Saplings and newly planted trees are staked to provide additional support as the root systems are not developed enough to fully anchor them. This looked a more mature specimen and wasn’t supported with a stake, which indicates a healthy developed root system.Looking at the pictures of this tree it has clearly been cut across with a straight edged implement, probably a saw. Much like the tree across the road from this one which was cut down some four feet above the ground. Just fancy there being such a coincidence at the one end of Darwin Road!It would be interesting to see the CCTV of this tree blowing over. Of course, if it had already been cut through it would have gone down with the merest breath of breeze.

Simon Hayes ● 2172d

If a tree blows over in high winds it generally upturns itself and the roots come up thru the pavement. This tree still has its roots still firmly in the ground and the stump is still standing upright

Emma Renton ● 2172d

I can vouch that whilst it wasn't really hot it was lovely weather on 11 May as I was helping out at a charity event and can confirm that many who attended were in summer type clothing with police officers in their shirt sleeves and small children running around playing. There was a small light shower, a gently breeze and nothing at all to suggest a hurricane type wind that would fell a tree! Interesting that this apparent wind only affected the tree close to the corner shop and the taxi companies premises but didn't affect any of the other trees close by, not even the fairly young ones in the adjoining street.The blog had been up since 13 May and after investigations were made in Darwin Rd on 16 May the owner of the various taxi companies only responded in the early evening 16 May. As this tree was felled opposite the taxi companies premises on 11 May I wonder why their CCTV footage has only now been made available to the authorities on 17 May!

David Parsons ● 2172d

The maximum wind speed recorded on the web site below for last Saturday (11th May) in London was 11mph.https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/uk/london/historicThis corresponds to 3 (gentle breeze) on the Beaufort scale "Leaves and small twigs in constant motion; light flags extended."https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort_scale

Andy Riley ● 2172d

Dear Mr Parsons, Yes people do get annoyed when falsely accused, If we were not interested in our community and not reading Ealing today then I would not like to think how peoples reputation get ruined by unable to defend themselves, however I can put forward my case, even though I do not have to, For your information I am open to an apology, I have today sent CCTV to Ealing Council showing that last Saturday the Tree fell on its own with high winds,So I do not think "Nasty Neighbour" is an appropriate Topic heading, We also care about the Environment as we have invested a lot of money and our cars are all Ulez Compliant with the lowest emissions.Not only do we own the Taxi Business, we also own the Freehold o our building so have every interest in our community

Manoj Teji ● 2172d

I understand that enquiries were made yesterday afternoon so it will be interesting to see if CCTV can show who carried out this outrageous act. Maybe other residents or the taxi companies have installed CCTV to secure their executive cars, as that would be very helpful too. It's good that there is now some interest in finding the perpetrator and yes if that gets some annoyed then that's good too, as residents shouldn't ever have to feel despondent as we should never allow indifference to blight our environment. The trees are there for everyone to enjoy and apart from combating air pollution, even at a subconscious level they bring numerous benefits to our communities. They improve our psychological health and increase our emotional wellbeing! What's not to love?

David Parsons ● 2173d

In order to mitigate climate change more trees are being planted across Ealing and across the world. You can apply to the Council to see if you can have more planted down your street. Many residents are working together to look after the new trees so that they become established.

Philippa Bond ● 2173d

Thank you for Clarifying this Lee

manoj teji ● 2173d

Please Note Embassy Cars has nothing to do with the corner shop, We do not even know them by name, So if you know that we own the Corner shop please provide us with the Deeds, Again assumptions are being made that may require legal action, you are more than welcome to contact me to answer any questions, in this country where I was born and educated-In the borough of Ealing I have the right to defend myself

manoj teji ● 2173d

Please kindly accept that our cars have nothing to do with this, you are more than welcome to come and Inspect our office and have a coffee and see how we operate and the Standards we have which does not include vandalism,I did not see anyone write a Thank you on this Forum when we Spread Gritt on the whole of Darwin Road as we care about our Residents and the relationship we have with them, We received several letters of Thanks for our good deed

manoj teji ● 2173d

I agree, have this investigated

manoj teji ● 2173d

I suggest as you know when the tree was chopped, ask the shop keeper for his CCTv which is directly pointed to his side door and the tree, maybe this will eliminate you slandering other people and may give you the correct facts

manoj teji ● 2173d

All our Cars have legal Road Tax, We have Parking for 8 cars in our Gated yard so have no requirement for a Permit on the allowed hours as General public and Council times

manoj teji ● 2173d

Dear Parties concerned, I am the owner of the Taxi Company and have no knowledge of who has damaged and chopped the Tree, the tree had never effected us in any way nor the birds,

manoj teji ● 2173d

Very interesting Lee. Several car companies are registered to that address so that may explain the nightmare parking around Darwin & Whitestile Roads!

David Parsons ● 2173d

Directors for both companies are different:EMBASSY CARS LTD 06058561:GREENE, BerniceTEJI, ManojBOSTON EXPRESS ENTERPRISES LTD 09961420:SACHDEVA, Harpreet KaurSACHDEVA, Ravinder Singh

Lee Page ● 2174d

Vat?! BTW the shop and taxi company I'm told, are owned by same people so that would explain why there are no longer ANY trees down that end of the road!

David Parsons ● 2174d

Would be highly amusing if they've not overwritten their CCTV that covers the Tree for those consecutive days.Did anyone capture who did the clear up operation, surely they'd have a VAT receipt of the customer?

Lee Page ● 2175d

Random in the fact why on earth would someone feel that it's right to remove the tree.Having read the other comments I can see it to do with a shop keeper and their car.At first I thought it may have been the taxi service.

Lee Page ● 2175d

I have sent e-mails to the local newspaper and 3 councillors and one has replied so far. Fay Block replied Many thanks for your email, it is shocking to hear.I have contacted officers to investigate …Good to know!

David Parsons ● 2175d

Ealing have 'form' for 'naming and shaming' on such prosecutions so it would still be worthwhile reporting.

N V Brooks ● 2175d

No preservation order on it I suspect but 3K is a very small price as it saves them having to hire someone to polish the cars now!

David Parsons ● 2175d

It is WELL worth reporting.The fine is up to £2,500 or £20,000 if the tree had a Tree preservation order.

N V Brooks ● 2175d

I have sent e-mails to councillors although I don't actually live in the road but I suspect I am more annoyed about it than some of the residents. Some were angry but most were of the opinion that it was totally pointless telling the police or council as very little or nothing would be done. Even if they get a fine, it would be meaningless as the trees are still gone and frankly they would have just paid a small fine to get what they actually wanted anyway. What ever happen to the 'Broken Window' philosophy?

David Parsons ● 2175d

Darwin Road is, IIRC, in Northfields Ward.All three of the ward councillors, particularly David Millican are effective.Get them onto the case and, if the council tree has been illegally removed, there will be a nasty shock coming for someone.I would also tale to them about the parking situation.

N V Brooks ● 2175d

When the shop keeper was asked on Saturday 'what happened?, apparently he just shrugged said he hadn't heard anything even though it would have been impossible not to hear the chainsaw sawing down the tree! The tree was then placed leaning against the wall to the side of his shop! So very dangerous and totally irresponsible!! On Sunday morning it was then chopped into manageable sizes and left on the side of the road. When asked again on Sunday apparently he said it must have been the wind!!? On Monday morning @ approx 7:00 someone arrived to 'chip up the wood' into one of those contraptions ( sorry don't know name) that tree surgeons use and by 08:00 all that was left was a traffic cone to cover the stump. Now if the wind did it wouldn't there be damage to the paving slabs as the tree would have been uprooted plus the obviously exposed roots? Wouldn't there have been substantial damaged by the sheer impact of quite a large tree falling on top of his wall? The wall looks just fine, the slabs were all intact and there was a clean cut across the trunk! I suspect that he deliberately just cut the trunk first because if he'd started with the upper branches it would have given residents the opportunity to question it. Now who actually paid for the chipping up and taking away? Surely not the guy who claimed the 'wind' did it or Ealing council as their offices are still closed at that time! Local residents that I spoke to feel that it's totally pointless complaining to the police or the council as nothing will actually be done about it and they'll just get away with it as usual! Be wary, the tree out side your home could be next if they increase their transport and again nothing will be done!

David Parsons ● 2175d

Apparently they don't pay for all their parking permits either. Been told that for years they often take their top of the range Mercs etc., and park them on the road ready to go to a booking. However when the traffic warden from L.B.Ealing goes to Darwin Road there is a flurry of activity from the shop and they move cars around the corner into Whitestile Road which is in the L.B.Hounslow.

David Parsons ● 2175d

I hope that you have reported this to the Council.There are lots of reports of people being heavily fined for cutting down trees when they don't have permission and that can be ones in their own gardens.

Philippa Bond ● 2175d

Rumour is that it was done deliberately to stop the birds from nesting, incase their droppings fell on to the posh car taxi service. That apparently is why there are NO trees near that area of the road now

David Parsons ● 2175d

Lee, can you please tell me and possibly others what 'so kind of random' means in the context of this thread.

Keith Iddon ● 2175d

I'm taking it you mean the established one? the other seems to have been decapitated at some point in the past too.

Lee Page ● 2176d

The Birch tree?If so kind of random as it's not in any way blocking access/light.Report to the council I guess.

Lee Page ● 2176d

The tree had been planted by the council several years ago

David Parsons ● 2176d

The tree had been planted by the council several years ago.

David Parsons ● 2176d

That's awful especially now when we are attempting to grow more trees.Whose tree was it?

Philippa Bond ● 2176d