[Announce] Fwd: This one

[Rod Cantrill]

Liz 

Thanks for the mail 

I strongly object to the action proposed by the council - the solution we eventually found for the trees on the other side of the park (when I was the Executive Cllr) - ensured that the amenity value of the trees was preserved on a key green space within the city 

Regards 

Rod Cantrill


Cllr Rod Cantrill
Ward Councillor Newnham 
Cambridge City Council 
Tel: +44 7919103865
E-mail: rcantrill at millingtonadvisory.com
www.newnhamlibdems.mycouncillor.org.uk
 
-----Original Message-----
From: announce [mailto:announce-bounces at soscambridge.org.uk] On Behalf Of liz Fenton
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 11:29 PM
To: announce at soscambridge.org.uk
Subject: [Announce] Fwd: This one

*TREES IN ALEXANDRA GARDENS *


 Insurance companies claim that some of the trees in Alexandra Gardens are causing cracks in houses near to the park. The council is recommending major tree works (chop off 70%), to mitigate its liability.


This will be a familiar story to many local residents who in 2010 campaigned successfully, to protect three of the plane trees facing Carlyle Road that were targeted for exactly the same reasons. Public opposition was so overwhelming that the council withdrew is proposal to fell/heavily prune the trees.


Alexandra Gardens is defined by the twenty one plane trees that grace its front and back edges. The 110 year old trees have an collective amenity and asset value of over £3.25 million. Nine trees which shelter the play area for small children are implicated.


Heavy crown reduction is not without risk; the trees become more vulnerable to infection and it can shorten their life expectancy. While pollarding may be suitable for street trees it is inappropriate for trees in a park setting where the natural expectation is for them to have branches.


The appalling visual impact of branchless trees in Alexandra Gardens would be unavoidable from every aspect. It would devastate the appearance of the park as a whole, destroy the cohesive beauty of the avenue and reduce the value of each cut tree by an average of £92,000!


The overall loss of asset value is far greater than the estimated budget shortfall to keep the trees intact.


There is to be a 'drop-in' / surgery / meeting on Monday 16th February, 3.30-7.30pm at St. Luke's Church Centre (main church space). Alistair Wilson, Joanna Davies (Interim Tree Officer), councillor Carina O’Reilly and councillor Mike Todd-Jones will all be there to discuss this issue and answer questions.


The public consultation period ends on 18th February, it is vitally important that people write to object to this irrevocably damaging and short sighted recommendation before then. A strong response is needed if these trees are to stand a chance.


Write to Green Spaces Manager Alistair Wilson Alistair.Wilson at cambridge.gov.
uk and Executive Councillor Carina O’Reilly carinaoreilly at gmail.com.


The council’s report can be found on the website under Tree Work.
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