Residents in Kew have been left "devastated" after a mature cherry tree on Priory Road was felled in error, the BBC reports.

The contractors assigned to fell a tree have admitted it was a case of "human error".

Premier Tree Care & Conservation had been instructed to remove a tree on Priory Road in Ealing, but instead attended the Priory Road in Kew, Richmond, and cut down a "healthy, mature and very beautiful" cherry tree.

Neighbours said they challenged the workers before the felling, but the tree was removed before the mistake could be stopped.

Local resident Alison Murphy told the BBC she approached the contractors when they claimed the tree was diseased.

She asked for evidence, and workers showed her a letter from Ealing Council on a mobile phone.

"I wish I'd realised that they were in the wrong borough, in the wrong road, cutting down the wrong tree," Ms Murphy said.

"Another neighbour came out and reiterated that we weren't in Ealing and he was in the wrong place. It happened really fast. It was a matter of minutes."

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The tree in Priory Road, Ealing that was meant to be felled pictured in 2022 (credit: Google Maps).

Premier Tree Care & Conservation has issued an apology, confirming the cherry tree was "sadly removed in error".

A spokesperson said: "We have liaised closely with residents of Priory Road to apologise.

"We understand the strength of feeling from the residents and we are taking every action to ensure the matter is resolved swiftly and smoothly."

The company added that it had already sourced a similar replacement cherry tree.

Richmond Council confirmed it had not authorised any felling on Priory Road and would be seeking to prevent such mistakes in future.

A spokesperson commented: "The tree planting season has just started, so we will be removing the tree stump left behind, repairing the tree pit, and then replacing the tree in the current planting season.

"We will be seeking to recover the costs from the contractor."

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Ealing Council said it was working with Richmond on "the best course of action" and confirmed that a replacement tree was ready to be planted once Richmond gave the go-ahead.

Residents are now awaiting confirmation of when the new tree will be installed.