A RUSHOLME homeowner has been successfully prosecuted after damaging two maple trees within a conservation area.
He was fined £1,000 (£500 per offence), plus costs of £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £15.
In August 2011, Saad Ali Jafar of Schuster Road, Rusholme engaged a contractor to carry out work to pollard trees situated in his front garden and in the garden of a neighbouring property. Both trees lie within the Victoria Park Conservation Area.
After receiving a complaint from a local resident, Manchester City Council launched an investigation.
Criminal proceedings followed and on 23 July 2012, Jafar pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates Court. He was fined £1,000 (£500 per offence), plus costs of £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £15.
The unlawful act could have resulted in fines of up to £5,000.
Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "I would urge people to check whether they live in a Conservation Area, or if their trees are subject to protection orders, before carrying out any work. We are committed to protecting the environment and will take action when the law is breached."
