June 2009 Report on War Memorial Tree Clearance. 25th June 2009

(For previous reports, click here)

Progress on the War Memorial greenery goes on. The identification of the trees and shrubs to be worked on is a slow process, but Phillip Sinclair [Greenspace Maintenance Parks Supervisor - Borough of Poole] has been extremely helpful and met Jill Floyd [the Residents Association representative] on June 2nd.

Phillip wrote; 'We noted that there is some opposition to wholesale removal of trees and that a compromise may be simply to remove the evergreen holly. This would result in the view being opened up in winter (after leaf drop) but with relatively little impact to the tree-scape in summer.'

It was also thought that possibly a couple of Oaks could have a bit of work done on them to raise part of the canopy and perhaps removal of one or two unstable trees could be an advantage. This is yet to be decided.

Richard Nicholson has asked JF for evidence of public support and that of Ward Councillors. She immediately sent him copies of all the e-mails and letters she had received and wrote to the Ward Councillors for their support. Mike Brooke has replied and is going to look at the situation before responding to the request. Graham Mason and Dan Martin have yet to reply.

Richard Nicholson also said that tree pruning would need permission because they are in a Conservation area and the Planning Arboricultural Officer would have to be consulted to see if they would permit such work. If they refuse or make noises about Tree Preservation Orders then there would be no point in proceeding.

Jill Floyd said she is going to keep trying to get the work done and would not give up easily.

However, the shrubbery around the rear of the War Memorial has been trimmed back and looks much tidier, but there is still some very tall laurel which Phillip Sinclair agreed may be cut down if it wasn’t too costly, but nothing is likely to be done until about October, if at all.

Jill Floyd, June 2009