End of the lime?
Adam Hewitt • Published 25 Sep 2009 09:00
0 Comments
Share this
The trees have already been pollarded
See also:
NEIGHBOURS are linking arms to protect threatened trees marked for the chop - amid fears they may never be replaced.
The 18 lime trees in Alexandra Road and neighbouring streets have been pollarded and will be felled in the next two weeks after council tree surgeons condemned them as rotten and dangerous.
But Mike Lawson-Foster, of the Alexandra Road Residents' Group, said: "We just don't agree that these beautiful trees which have graced our road for over a century will be felled without any reassurance that they will be replaced."
The council insists it will replace the trees in "suitable locations". But it will not guarantee this will be in the same roads, which have been tree-lined for 120 years.
The residents' group employed its own tree specialist, Peter Giles Biddle, to do an independent survey, which found that only one tree was beyond saving and must be felled immediately. He recommended instead phased removal and replacement of the diseased trees.
He said: "The trees are an important element in the appearance and character of the Alexandra Road Conservation Area.
"I support their removal, provided they are to be replaced."
He asked for "a clear and unambiguous assurance that the trees for felling will be replaced together with a time scale for doing so."
Adrian Howarth, who also lives in the road, said: "Removing the trees without replacing them will destroy the character of the road."
Mr Lawson-Foster added: "We are very concerned that there are trees around the locality that have been felled and not replaced. This has rung alarm bells for us."
Council spokeswoman Sarah Bishton said the marked trees pose an "unacceptable risk" to residents and their property.
She said: "It is however the council's intention, as always, to protect any mature trees that can be retained. Every tree in the borough that is on a public highway is due to be inspected as part of a two year survey conducted by the council.
"The council is assessing underground utilities in this area of Reading and considering different tree species to ensure new trees when planted will not damage these services or suffer any potential damage themselves. This will result in a plan of action to replant and replace trees in roads and open spaces."
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
