Last month I highlighted the threat to historic trees in Cintra Avenue in Redlands. This is just the latest episode in a battle we have fought over many years for trees in Redlands to be protected and replaced when they are removed.
As soon as I heard about plans by the Council to fell trees in Cintra Avenue I raised the matter with Labour Lead Councillors - I am happy to work with anyone regardless of Party to ensure that ward matters are addressed.
I was pleased to get a positive initial response from Cllr Tony Page, the councillor responsible for street trees.
Today he has written to me and the residents who raised the issue as follows:
'The Parks Team have confirmed that the results of the survey are being used to produce a maintenance programme for the Council's tree stock including periodic inspections.
They will also prepare a management plan for all the mature trees in the Cintra Park area. This programme and plan will help maintain the health and prolong the life of these mature trees, and identify long term replacement of trees as they are lost.
It is agreed that the existing standing stumps from the two trees to be felled can remain, following the removal of dead branches.
The two trees to be felled cannot be replaced, as new young trees would not survive in the restricted light available as, apparently, this has been a major cause in the decline of the trees. The Cedars are planted too closely together and this means the growth of some trees is suppressed. The Council will obviously look to provide replacement planting in the future if and when further trees are lost and sufficient space and light appears within the group.
The Parks Team have confirmed that about 5 trees could be planted to create a new line of trees within the open space area, away from the existing trees, where there is sufficient light.
We haven’t yet established where funding can be found for this but will undertake to explore options. Such planting would also take up a relatively narrow strip of open space, possibly making it less useable. As such I consider that some limited consultation would need to be undertaken with local residents to test whether they have any views on such a planting proposal. Officers are suggesting consulting occupiers of properties from which the trees will be visible, mainly along Cintra Avenue, but obviously we will take account of the Ward Councillors views on who should be consulted. I would therefore welcome feedback from them and yourselves on this aspect as well...
Cllr Page signs of the email saying: 'I hope this e-mail reassures you that we take these issues very seriously and, where possible, will look to replace as many trees as possible in the locality.'
It is reassuring to see Cllr Page responding positively to the issues myself and residents raised, and to hear he takes the matter seriously.
That said it is concerning that thought had not been given to protecting and promoting this important green space before plans were announced to fell trees.
Our campaign to protect this historic space is not yet over.
We will be encouraging officers to think imaginatively about how trees can be replaced so that this valued piece of open space can be enjoyed by residents and visitors both now and in the future.
Resident involvement will be key so it is good to hear that local people will be consulted on future plans.
Officers have said that it would 'not be a priority'under the Capital Programme' but tree planting could be a possible candidate for Section 106 funding. We will be lobbying the Council to identify funding as soon as possible.
Comments