AN Independent councillor has criticised the felling of trees at New Inn Gardens in Culcheth, describing the work as heavy-handed, while the parish council says the action was taken to address safety concerns after branches fell into nearby gardens.
Cllr Neil Johnson has expressed his dismay at the work, which has seen a number of trees cut down to stumps at the popular village open space.
The work was commissioned by Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council after large branches fell into the gardens of two properties on nearby Poplar Avenue, prompting concerns about the safety of residents and people using the gardens.
However, the extent of the work has prompted criticism from Cllr Johnson, who claims some of the trees could have been retained.
He said alternative advice had been available from another contractor who believed felling was unnecessary, but the parish council proceeded with a different provider following consideration of quotations.
Cllr Johnson said: “I am absolutely dismayed at the standard of work that has been carried out by the Parish Council’s contractors on the New Inn Gardens in Culcheth.
“They have butchered the trees.”
He also questioned the decision to appoint the contractor, claiming the quotation did not offer the best value for money and highlighting that the work was not carried out by the firm which he said had undertaken tree work for the parish council for 27 years.
Cllr Johnson said independent parish councillors had raised questions about the contractor, including its public liability insurance, and argued that their concerns had been legitimate.
He said he had since sought advice from qualified tree surgeons who had carried out work for other local councils.
According to Cllr Johnson, the advice he received was that the trees did not show signs of rot and could have been retained, although the maple tree may now require further remedial work because of the way it has been cut.
He said the options for the maple included appropriate pollarding and ongoing maintenance or, alternatively, felling.
Cllr Johnson also raised concerns about the remaining stumps, claiming some could present trip hazards in an open public space, particularly those close to the footpath.
He said he would investigate whether replacement trees could be planted to compensate for the loss.
The councillor added that he believed the matter had been handled badly by councillors from both the Conservative and Labour groups.
Parish council defends decision
Parish council chair Cllr Alicia Edwards said the work had been commissioned following the falling branches and the resulting safety concerns.
She said: “The work was commissioned after large branches fell into two residents’ gardens, raising safety concerns. The Parish Council’s priority was to address the risk to residents and people using New Inn Gardens.
“Three quotations were obtained and considered before a contractor was appointed.”
Cllr Edwards acknowledged that some people were unhappy with the outcome but stressed that the comments about advice from other tree surgeons represented Cllr Johnson’s account.
She said the council would consider any professional report he submitted.
Responding to concerns about the remaining stumps, Cllr Edwards said she would ask the contractor to review their heights, particularly those near the footpath, and assess whether further work was needed to address potential trip hazards.
She also confirmed that the parish council would consider suitable replacement planting for the site.
“Our decisions must take account of safety, the condition of the trees and the needs of the gardens,” she added.
The dispute highlights differing views over how the trees at New Inn Gardens should have been managed following the safety concerns.
While Cllr Johnson believes the extent of the work was unnecessary and that more trees could have been saved, the parish council says its decision was guided by public safety and that it considered three quotations before appointing a contractor.
The council has indicated that it will review the stump heights and consider replacement planting, while the questions surrounding the extent of the tree work may depend on further professional advice.
