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Anger as 40 park trees are axed

13/ 3/2008

ENVIRONMENTALISTS have accused tree doctors of being ‘chainsaw happy’ after they felled 40 trees in Chorlton Park.

Members of Sustainable Chorlton say that they appreciate that some poplar trees needed to be removed because of the spread of a scab fungal disease. But they say council contractors cut too many trees down.

Manchester City Council says that the action was necessary to prevent more trees being lost, but Bernard Leach, of the Sustainable Chorlton group, said: "While I understand that some trees may have been affected by the disease and action had to be taken, I do not agree with the way that council contractors have gone about this work.

"They have felled so many trees and the ground zero effect in the park is quite shocking. We were under the impression that only individual trees, which were considered to be seriously infected, would be felled and that poplars would be retained where ever possible. This has obviously not happened."

The environmental group have also claimed there was a lack of public consultation over the fellings. Mr Leach said: "There was a small sign at the gate of the park stating that felling was part of the council’s strategy to control venturia disease, but there was nothing more. We have received no details on any plans of how the park is to be compensated. There has been some talk about animals being carved out of the five-foot poplar stumps that have been left, but what good is that after they’ve just got rid of the homes of plenty of live animals?"

Rob Madden from the Friends of Chorlton Park said: "The ground has been badly churned up during this process and I want to make sure that the council are going to rectify this problem."

A spokesman for Manchester City Council said: "Local residents can be assured that we have consulted at length with the Forestry Commission and leading ecologists to ensure the affected trees are managed properly.

"We have ensured highly visible signage around the park for public information and have been in regular contact with the Friends of Chorlton Park.

"A significant re-planting programme is planned for the park, including a mini-orchard, to create visual interest and diversity for the park’s visitors and useful food sources for birds."