A BRIGHTON resident is facing prosecution and fines of up to $132,000 for allegedly taking a chainsaw to a street tree that blocked views of Port Phillip.

Neighbours in Martin Street, Brighton, took photos of two men allegedly hacking into a tree on the nature strip at midday on Boxing Day and loading the branches into a station wagon.

The tree afterit was attacked by vandals. Credit:Joe Armao

It is believed the mature coastal banksia tree obscured views of the bay from an upstairs window.

The photos were given to Bayside Council last week as evidence of alleged tree vandalism and also published on notices posted on lamp-posts around the million-dollar neighbourhood.