The beech tree has stood for many years near the old chapel in Manor Road, but residents were dismayed to find its branches had been cut down recently.

One resident said: “This big, beautiful old beech tree has been drastically cut back to its trunk.

“It is unbelievable that someone would want to do this.”

Phil Yardley, the council’s tree and woodlands officer, admitted the tree had been “destroyed by inappropriate and unnecessary operations” which, as yet, remain unknown.

Scarborough Civic Society chairman Adrian Perry said: “Unfortunately this does happen and people do attack these trees. And it is always difficult to take action when the damage has already taken place.”

He said a similar issue had arisen in the Weaponness area of the town.

Mr Perry added: “Some- body chopped down six mature trees and nobody knew who had done it.

“The council didn’t know who it was and the owner of the land said he hadn’t done it. So there was no action taken.

“The only way you can protect the trees is by being vigilant.”

He advised: “If you see someone chopping down a tree ask them what they are doing.”

Jill Low, Scarborough Council’s development control manager confirmed the tree was protected, adding: “This has been reported to the planning authority and an investigation into the matter is currently under way.”