Police were called to a council meeting in Hertsmere to deal with shouting from the public gallery.

Hertsmere Borough Council’s meeting on Wednesday, January 21, was adjourned for ten minutes after Tom Cullen, a member of the public who regularly attends the meeting, started shouting from the public gallery.

Mr Cullen, a pensioner who lives in Nightingale Road, Bushey, said: "Mayor Councillor Carey Keates informed all at the council meeting that he had one question from a member of the public for this meeting and proceeded to ask the portfolio holder to answer it.

"I shouted out my objections as he had a question from me but refused to ask it."

Mr Cullen said his question was not answered on the grounds that it was deemed "frivolous" by the council, but he insists it was not.

Cath Shepherd, corporate communications manager at the council, said: "The disruption related to complaints that have been made by the man regarding a tree preservation order (TPO) granted by this council at an address in Bushey.

"The TPO was granted in line with due process, with the complainant having an opportunity to make representations at a planning committee."

Mr Cullen and his wife have been fighting the TPO for three years, as they believe the falling branches are a risk to their lives.

The TPO was originally given on the chestnut tree in the garden next door to the Cullens, for its "intrinsic beauty" and means no-one can do anything to the tree without seeking permission from the council.

The couple have complained to the council about it several times and have brought up the issue at several previous council meetings.

Ms Shepherd added: "We have exhausted all avenues with the individual in terms of our complaints processes and he has also had the opportunity to take his complaint through the independent Ombudsman process.

"Our meetings are important public forums for discussion about council matters and it’s important that we adhere to processes and protocols. For that reason, we can’t allow the meetings to be disrupted in this way.

"Officers sought the assistance of the police to ensure that the individual concerned would not re-enter the council chamber or remain in the civic offices. However, the council has not made a formal complaint to the police about the incident."