Islingotn Tribune- News: Anger as ash trees axed over safety

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Islington Tribune - by SIMON WROE
Published: 18 May 2007

Anger as ash trees axed over safety

FOR years they have provided an excellent leafy boulevard for local people, but not any more…
Islington council has decreed that 15 elegant raywood ash trees that line Drayton Park opposite the new Emirates stadium must be axed.
And the reason – apparently branches of the trees have regularly been falling on passers-by during heavy winds and council health and safety chiefs fear a nasty accident.
But residents, including top Apprentice producer Kelly Webb-Lamb and Green councillor Katie Dawson, are appalled.
“It’s scandalous the council are taking the trees down for health and safety reasons,” said Cllr Dawson.
“It would be intolerable to live in the city without trees. We have to resist this.”
Nicola Beard, who walks her child to school along the road every day, said: “It’s the only part of Drayton Park that really stands out. The council doesn’t realise how much people value them.”
But council chiefs were adamant they were not against a “green lung” in the area.
Cllr Lucy Watt, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment and
Regeneration, said: “Like residents we love our trees. Last year we planted 400 new ones. But these raywood ash trees, which were planted up to 30 years ago, were subsequently found to be brittle.
“To reduce the risk of injury or damage to property from a falling branch we must take action. We’ll be discussing proposals for their removal and replacement with local residents.
She added: “We will not let this avenue of trees be lost for good.”

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