Nuisance Shoreham squirrels using tree to scamper on to roofs

Adventurous squirrels could soon find themselves homeless after the all-clear was given to chop down their oak tree.

The inquisitive little rodents have been making a nuisance of themselves by scampering along the branches of the tree and on to roofs in West Street, Shoreham-by-Sea.

They even found their way into a loft and made a nest.

A Tree Preservation Order was placed on the oak in April and was due to be confirmed by Adur District Council’s planning committee – meaning the tree would stay protected.

SUS-200809-163326001SUS-200809-163326001
SUS-200809-163326001
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But, after hearing about the squirrels’ antics, along with concerns about potential root damage to homes and drains, members agreed it should be lifted.

Planning officers had asked for the order to remain, calling the tree ‘an established feature of the area’ – though Stephen Chipp (Con, Southwick Green) pointed out that, given its location, it was actually only an established feature of ‘someone’s back garden’.

The committee heard from the daughter of one neighbour – a 93-year-old man – who had had to pay for pest control to clear the squirrels from his loft and block the hole they used to get inside.

Despite that, she said she and her father could still hear them trying to scratch their way through the blockage.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She added: “It’s horrible living with the constant possibility that the squirrels might get back in.”

As for the tree itself, the council received complaints that it was too big for such a small garden, created far too much shade and dropped far too many leaves.

Members voted not to confirm the preservation order, meaning the oak can be felled.

There was concern from some that the decision might set a precedent, giving other people the excuse to get rid of trees they didn’t like.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Officers, though, said each case would be judged on its own merits.

Planning head James Appleton told the meeting the council would write to the homeowner strongly encouraging them to replace the tree if they chose to chop it down.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.