 Liberal Democrats call for action
on tree pruning
Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have called on
the council to address public concern over unsightly, overgrown bushes
and trees across the borough. we are receiving more
complaints from residents on this subject than ever, with many people
concerned not only about the effect of unattractive, unkempt trees and
bushes in local neighbourhoods but also the safety issues involved with
trees overhanging roads and footpaths.
Liberal Democrat were told by Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder Ian Clifton
at the Borough Council that the council provides an
“acceptable standard of horticultural repair.”
Charles Royden disagrees. 'Residents across
Brickhill are calling for action and the Borough Council is failing in
its duty to care for trees and bushes which are overgrown, often
overhanging footpaths, and creating a hazard for wheelchair users or
parents with prams. The council is simply not committed to addressing
these problems.’
The issue is complicated by the fact that there are several different
bodies involved with tree and bush maintenance, with responsibility
divided between the Borough, the County and even Housing Associations.
This should not be an excuse for inaction, however, and all agencies
involved must take responsibility in tackling the problems of overgrown
trees and bushes that are all too obvious across the borough. Sadly,
Bedford Borough Council shows little sign of doing so.
Many residents wish to see more trees planted in
Brickhill
We have received many requests from residents to
have trees replaced around Brickhill which have been vandalised or died.
We are extremely concerned to see the replacement of damaged trees and
also increased planting of news trees across Brickhill. Borough
Councilllor Charles Royden has allocated his entire £3,000 ward
improvement fund towards the planting of trees in Brickhill. A total of
15 new trees will now be planted on the green in Brickhill on the
green in Waveney Avenue
Three new English Oaks were recently planted outside Sir William Harpur
House in Avon Drive and tree provision is taking place in other areas
such as Aviary Walk. we hope that residents will support us in seeking to
ensure that they are not vandalised. Once planted, should you see
anybody harming the trees please call the police immediately and notify
us so that we can ensure the matter is dealt with.
Here is a list of the criteria which we have been advised
by the Borough Council Executive will be used when deciding upon maintenance
issues.
- Trees are pruned or felled when they are deemed to be
a danger to the public. This might be low or overhanging branches, adequate
clearance should be provided for pedestrians for example.
- Where branches are making contact with structures
such as gutters or rooves
- Where it is felt that parts of the tree are liable to
break, because they are dead, dying or dangerous.
- The Borough Council do not prune and are not legally
obliged to prune for reasons of light, bird droppings, falling leaves or fruit.
If you have a tree which you are concerned about, please
contact us and we will be pleased to look at the tree and give our advice as to
what can be done.
See our list of trees to be planted this season by the
Borough Council
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