ONE of the three landmark planetrees which adorn the cobbled area around Lymm Cross is set to get the chop – and some residents are not happy about it.
The tree’s root system is said to be causing a trip hazard – and could potentially cause damage to the foundations of a nearby chemists’ shop.
Lymm Parish Council has been debating the matter for about 12 months and has finally decided the tree must go – and be replaced with another.
They consulted the Lymm in Bloom group, the borough council and others – although, apparently, not enough others. For the final decision – that the tree be replaced by a hornbeam – has not gone down well with some residents.
One has gone so far as to attach a notice on the tree describing the hornbeam as a “lollipop” tree unsuitable for the location and alleging there had been insufficient consultation on the issue.
They suggested a flowering cherry or a mountain ash – trees with small root balls and a similar shape to the existing trees.
Another resident claimed a lack of consultation with the public and expressed fears that the other two planetrees at The Cross could be at risk.
They also argued that the existing tree could be retained without affecting the shop foundations, or causing a trip hazard, if its roots were pruned.
Cllr Sheila Woodyatt said the parish council had consulted widely on the issue before deciding on a hornbeam. The borough council arboriculturist had recommended a yew tree but the parish council was sticking to its original position.
“I have only heard of two people who oppose a hornbeam,” she said.
Cllr Bob Barr said: “Unfortunately the tree has to go. It would seem that many years ago, when they were planted, insufficient thought was given to how large they might grow.”
It is understood the planetree is to be removed during July.
Pictures: The doomed planetree and the protest notice
Landmark tree set to get the chop
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