Tree News.

Thanks to all for the support. We may be able to sort this out!

I have now received the following reply from Mike Pears, of Leicester City Council which is self explanatory.

Dear Mr Savage,  thanks for your email, I have asked our Trees and Woodlands Team to clarify the reasons for removal of the tree and they have replied as follows:

"Both trees were removed on the grounds of severe basal decay, leading to inner and deep cavities, all caused by low level (car height) vehicle damage over several years. These cavities were formed in an almost honeycomb pattern which meant that if slightly pushed in the wrong way then the remaining tissue could buckle/collapse.  The crowns were both at a stage where further pruning to keep them from causing building damage was not going to be possible without unreasonably short maintenance periods."

Removal of the tree and grinding out of the stump has to be done when a replacement tree is to be planted so the only additional cost is capping off the tree pit to maintain a safe surface within the footway.

I am submitting a bid to the Castle Ward Community Meeting to try to secure funding for replacing six trees within the ward including the two on Cradock Road. This bid should be discussed at the next meeting on 22nd March.

Regards
Mike

It seems that we must now lobby our local council members to give funding a chance of approval to replace our trees, or R.O.T. for short!

I shall send an email to expressing our feelings and, if I can find out where it is, may attend the meeting on 22nd March.

It would be very helpful if anyone else reading this could also lobby our local councillors. The picture illustrate how bare it looks without our trees.

Thanks.

A Murder in Cradock Rd

Greetings all. Sorry for the lack of posts, but I’ve been busy with other projects.

Pour yourself a long drink and prepare for a rant about local politics.

Many years ago (probably about 35) Leicester City Council planted some trees around the back streets of Clarendon Park which have offered a very welcome splash of green to a predominantly red brick background.
On 3rd November two were cut down. Murdered! Gone for ever! One at the top and another at the bottom (Howard Rd. end) of Cradock Road. I phoned the Council on 4th November to complain and enquire why our apparently healthy trees had been so ruthlessly removed. I was told they had been diseased, but the Council were obliged to replace any removed trees. ‘It may take up to a year as funds are tight’ he added.

Having given the matter some thought I do not remember the trees looking particular sick, quite the opposite in fact. Flourishing! I can offer no evidence, or scientific knowledge in support of this though. It did, however, get in the way of the enormous refuse collection trucks that struggle to get around all of our roads and I found it rather a coincidence that it was the two that caused most trouble that were ‘diseased’.

In a letter, I put this theory forward, but was assured it ‘did not have anything to do with access issues for refuse vehicles’. I also suggested that surely it was cheaper to plant replacement trees than remove and chip two (3 workmen for at least two hours), then come and clear the area and tarmac over it (At least 4 workmen half a day), then come with a big lorry and remove the old tarmac and paving (missed this bit, but must have been two men for an hour).

As luck would have it I photographed the tree in it’s prime in the summer of 2009 with and without the bin lorry and, more recently the bare space resulting in the ‘murder’ and the ease with which the refuse lorry can now swing round the junction. He hardly has to slow down! Please form your own opinion.

The most recent communiqué from The Council states that there are currently no funds available to replace any trees. (they have probably used their resources answering my letters!) I dearly wish they had never removed the trees, but am starting a campaign to replace at least the one at the top of Cradock Rd. (Montague Rd end) as this area now looks so bleak. The Howard Rd end still benefits from existing mature trees.

This all happens in a year when there are schemes to plant trees in celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, actively supported by BBC TV presenter, Kate Humble.
Watch this space for news and contact me if you want to wave a banner or something.

Thanks.