'It's breaking my heart': Helston residents fight to save much-loved tree

A Helston woman has spoken out after damage was allegedly made to a much-loved tree outside her home.

Trelawney Road resident Sally Ann Pethick who has lived in the area for 20 years, has been campaigning to save the tree, which she said has stood for more than 50 years.

However, the tree was allegedly damaged last August - she claims when Coastline began work on a nearby development.

Sally said that the company’s activities, including unloading materials and using heavy machinery, caused significant damage to the tree.

Sally and Hailey are 'fighting' to save the tree (Image: Hailey Houlden-Smith)

Despite her repeated attempts to address the issue with Coastline, she said she hasn’t received any support.

“They just fobbed me off,” said Sally. “It’s breaking my heart.

“The workers woke me up one morning when they were offloading their materials. There was a bump, and the tree actually shook.”

Sally has spoken to the boss of Coastline, who she claims promised her that they would be more careful around the tree in the future.

This picture shows building materials left underneath the tree (Image: Hailey Houlden-Smith)

Along with other concerned residents, Sally has since tried to be aware of the situation. She contacted Cornwall Council but said she was told they could not intervene as the tree is not on council land.

“It’s such a beautiful old tree, and the damage to it has just been ignored," Sally commented.

Hailey-Houlden Smith, who is Sally’s daughter, said she and her mother are ‘fighting’ to save the tree but have yet to receive any response from Coastline. She said: “We are fighting at the minute to save the tree in Trelawney Road and getting no response or joy with Coastline who are the ones that have filled it.

“They have just fobbed mum off and no one cares. It’s the most beautiful old tree.”

The Packet has contacted Coastline for comment.