Dear Sir,
Can someone please explain why four mature healthy trees have been felled on Emerson Way? The usual excuse for this is vandalism or they were dangerous or diseased, but this could not be claimed for any of these trees.
Replacements have not been planted and it seems that not a week goes by without further trees being chopped down around the town.
I would be interested to know who sanctions this and why? Has one of our esteemed councillors got a tree felling business? If this was happening anywhere else there would be uproar – it seem apathy rules when it comes to the residents of our town. A visitor to the town once commented how pleasant it was with so many trees and green spaces around out town, but that will not be the case for much longer if our Council continues to destroy it.
Conservationist
name and address supplied
Editor:
We have to agree with this reader as too often trees are being felled, seemingly without reason, and certainly without notice. This upsets people who like to see trees from their homes and they deserve an explanation. We have asked Durham County Council to comment as it is usual for consultation on any alteration to the environment, but it apparently does not apply to trees.
Council Reply . . .
Jimmy Bennett, Durham County Council’s clean and green manager, said: “The council has a responsibility to ensure that trees near roads and pavements are not at risk of falling onto the highway. We never remove trees unless it is absolutely necessary.
“The trees in Emerson Way were inspected by a fully qualified and experienced arboriculturist and felled due to concerns over their safety. Two of the trees had ash heart rot and another was almost dead, probably as a result of pholiota root disease. The fourth tree had a large cavity. However, all posed a risk to the safety of the public.”
