A CONSULTATION on the future of Pershore’s Broad Street trees has been labelled a ‘complete farce’ by an angry town resident.
Highways chiefs at Worcestershire County Council are seeking residents views on what should be done with the London Plane trees and are proposing they should be replaced by ‘more appropriate species.’
The trees were first planted in 2002, but since then the roots have been raising block paving and creating hazards for pedestrians, as well as blocking out natural light to surrounding properties.
The Observer reported in August 2014 on town councillor Chris Parsons’ anger at the trees which were blocking residents natural daylight and were so high that one resident even had to keep the light on in their bedroom during daytime summer hours.
However, a number of campaigners have urged the council to think again and said continued maintenance and trimming of the trees would begin to solve the problems.
Local resident Shirley Agg, one of the leading voices against the removal of the trees, told the Observer the consultation should have included an option to keep the trees as they are.
“It’s a complete farce and a waste of public money,” she said.
“We were told it would be a public consultation on the future of the Broad Street trees and it isn’t.
“I think it’s wrong that the County Council who caused the problem should have the final say over the outcome of the trees.
“The trees should be saved if they can be, we won’t give up without a fight,” she added.
In response, Coun John Smith, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways said: “The safety of pedestrians in Broad Street has always been of paramount importance to the County Council as well as maintaining the idyllic image of Pershore’s beautiful streets.
“We are proposing the potential tree replacement as essential works, but feel it important that residents and commuters get involved.
“We encourage and welcome any feedback on the proposed works,” he added.
The consultation is running until November 30 with a decision due to be made on the future of the trees by the end of December.
Copies of the consultation questionnaire can be found at Pershore Library or the Town Hall.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/pershoretrees to complete the questionnaire online.
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