Villagers shocked and upset as trees in stunning avenue felled
15/01/2026
The trees were a gift to Hempton and tended to maturity by resident Dennis Washington
Villagers in Hempton have been left shocked and upset after a number of horse chestnut trees were felled along an avenue that lined the road into the village from Deddington.
They were planted in the 1960s by local businessman and resident Dennis Washington as a gift to the village. Mr Washington tended the trees to maturity, helped by his son Bill, who described this week’s cull as like seeing his father’s legacy destroyed.
Oxfordshire County Council were responsible for the trees being cut down. They say they regret the matter has caused such anxiety in the community, but insisted “the work followed an inspection by qualified arboriculturists last April which recorded the trees as being in decline with poor vigour and sparse crown at the point of inspection”.
They added that as the trees were growing within the public highway, for which they are responsible, the safety of the public was their top priority.
Bill Washington’s partner Jackie Humphries told Banbury FM they didn’t believe there was anything wrong with the trees and questioned the ownership of the land where they had been growing.
Jackie said: “We’re devastated. Bill is the sole surviving relative of Dennis. It’s like his dad’s legacy is being destroyed. He’s just so upset about it.
“The villagers have rallied round. They are as incensed at what the council has done as Bill and myself are.
“Once the trees are out – the leaves on them and they’re flowering – it’s stunning.”
The county council say they will plant replacement trees. Before this they will attend a Parish Council meeting to discuss what is available and listen to the preferences of the community.
The proposal to remove the trees was signed in last December and a notice attached to each affected tree. Deddington Parish Council was advised of the work in November.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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