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Treehouse built to help boy's anxiety demolished

Sophie LaddGloucestershire
Family handout A treehouse in a wooded area is being demolished, branches that previously made up the structure have been taken down and are in piles on the floor.Family handout
The treehouse in Leckhampton was demolished as it did not have insurance

A treehouse built by a dad and his children, and loved by other families in the area, has been demolished because it does not have insurance.

Pete, from Leckhampton, Cheltenham, built the treehouse in Burrow's Field to help his nine-year-old son Cooper with his anxiety.

But neither Cheltenham Borough Council or Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council was able to secure public liability insurance for the structure.

Councillor Steve Harvey, borough council cabinet member for parks, gardens and green open space, said: "Without appropriate insurance cover, the treehouse can't be permitted to remain as there is a duty of care to protect the safety of everyone who uses public open spaces."

Child's treehouse demolished after insurance woes
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Resident Sonia Esplen said she saw a wood chipping machine at Burrow's Field on Thursday morning when walking her dog.

Pete said: "For me personally it's left a really bitter taste in my mouth.

"It's just disappointing that they didn't pursue any other avenues like getting in touch with some local builders to come down and have a look at it and go, yes we could cover it all in resin, we could put some tree nets up."

He added: "Now it's so dangerous. Quite easily some child could fall off of it and this is the reason why we started doing it in the first place because it's still such a magnet for these kids."

Cooper said he was upset about the demolition because the treehouse helps him "feel relaxed".

The council has said lower-level structures made of wood are permitted, and residents were free to build these.

A family of four pose in woodland, with one child standing in front of an adult and another being held. A treehouse is visible among the trees in the background.
The treehouse was built for nine-year-old Cooper (L), pictured here with his mother Natalie, father Pete and brother Jude

Harvey said the council understood the sentimental value of the treehouse and the enjoyment it had brought to many children and families.

He added: "Burrow's Field is widely regarded as one of Cheltenham's most important and valued parks and while permanent structures cannot be permitted, informal, ground-level natural play, such as temporary tepee-style dens made from fallen branches, is welcomed."

Phil Bennett, chairman of Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council, said: "We are very sympathetic but have been left with no alternative due to the very poor health of the tree."

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