Grimsby pensioner says he can't get a TV signal because of trees

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Locals cried foul play after the head disappeared from the leafy landmark which had been admired by villagers in Wroughton, Wiltshire for 20 years. The “Chicken Tree” had even been dubbed the village’s Angel of the North, after Antony Gormley’s sculpture overlooking the A1 in Gateshead.

However, residents were gutted when the tree was “decapitated” and left with just a body and tail while the busy B-road was closed by roadworks.

Villager Steve Bessent said the journey along the B4005 with “no longer be the same”.

He added: “The local landmark ‘Chicken Tree’ has been disfigured, whether by accident or design we may never know.

“More than just a tree, it acted as our farewell and welcome home, a friend stood on the roadside waiting for the smiling faces to pass by.

“Not all landmarks are made of steel or stone, some are provided by nature, perhaps these above all, we cherish the most.

“With its head removed, it will be a constant reminder of how one thoughtless act or force of nature can affect so many people.”

Suspicion has fallen upon Swindon Borough Council contractors who were carrying out work opposite the tree on the B4005 Brimble Hill.

Former long-term Swindon Borough Council leader and Wroughton resident, Rod Bluh, said it was a “very sad loss”.

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He expressed the hope that the tree will regrow into the shame shape.

One local, who did not want to be named, suggested the destruction of the tree be marked with an annual chicken tree dance or another way of paying respects as a community.

Another, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s amazing that when the wind took it down, there just happened to be a grab lorry working in the immediate vicinity.

“I also wasn’t aware that the wind had been that strong recently.”

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Another unnamed villager said: “Why can’t they just own up to the fact they did it and really don’t give a damn.”

A sixth upset local said: “I’ll be relieved to find it was nature rather than human interference… makes it much more bearable.”

Councillors joined locals and launched an investigation, alleging the tree had fallen victim to health and safety.

Some even expressed fears workers chopped the tree’s “head” off on purpose.

The council claimed in a statement that the head had fallen off naturally.

It said: “The branch fell due to high winds and not as a result of the contractors.

“There was a grab lorry adjacent and the branch fell on it.”

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman confirmed the branch had fallen due to nature and was unconnected to the work being carried out by the contractors.

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