A CRABBS Cross man and the tree surgeon he employed have been fined for 'excessive pruning' of a protected oak tree at the back of his house.

David Williams, of Chandlers Close, had been given permission to remove dead wood and to thin the crown of the tree, said a report for councillors on the planning committee.

Following a complaint from a resident, council officers found work carried out by tree surgeon Shaun Street had left the tree severely pruned to one side and left the remaining crown overhanging another property.

The council's arboricultural officer said the extent of work carried out had not been warranted and further work was needed to restore the tree to a safer condition.

Mr Street pleaded guilty to contravening the tree preservation order on December 11 and was fined £1,000 and £308 costs.

Mr Williams pleaded not guilty to causing or permitting damage to the protected oak but was fined £200 and £533 costs at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on February 13.

Mrs Jennifer williams was found not guilty.