A WORCESTERSHIRE contracting business has been fined more than £12,000 for damaging protected trees.

Droitwich magistrates heard how Pencroft Limited sliced through the roots of 12 lime trees while carrying out work on Kings Road, Malvern Wells, on Wednesday, April 4.

The bench heard how the damage happened when the company used a mechanical digger to put up fencing.

Speaking after the hearing, Mike Gregory, landscaping officer for Malvern Hills District Council, which brought the charges, said the trees would have to undergo surgery to repair the damaged roots.

The company admitted wilful damage to the roots of a protected tree during the hearing. But Tim Sherwood, defending, said the company had not been aware the trees were protected, as it had not been involved in initial consultations about the work.

He added the incident was the first offence for the company, which has been in business for 25 years.

Magistrates, who agreed the company's previous record was excellent, said they understood Pencroft had not been aware the trees were protected.

Pencroft, of Old Road, Clifton on Teme, was ordered to pay £1,000 for each offence and costs of £790.