DESPITE being told on two occasions he was in breach of a tree preservation order, James Rucastle continued to construct a driveway which threatened a beech and sycamore, magistrates were told.

He was advised to stop using a digger and to build the drive at a house in New Road, Ingleton, by using a non-digging method, Skipton magistrates were told

But he failed to take the advice of a Craven District Council officer who feared that the work would damage the roots of the trees.

Rucastle, of Beckside, Westhouse, pleaded guilty to three offences of contravening a tree preservation order and was fined a total of £2,250 and ordered to pay a £75 victims surcharge.