Welwyn Hatfield Liberal Democrats
Stanborough Poplars - unkindest cut
November 23, 2008 9:56 AM
The Poplars in the south car park at Stanborough Lakes are due to be cut down by the very people set up to preserve and care for the park, the council, in partnership with Finesse Leisure. At a cabinet meeting on 7th October, the council decided to cut down all the trees in the south car park. This was despite the recommendation by Forbes Laird consultants that the trees initially be pollarded, and only the most damaged trees be removed.
The consultation process was full of flaws. First of all, Clare Berry, the portfolio holder for environment did not bother to turn up for a consultation held at the Lakes, for which she was congratulated by John Dean, the leader of the council. This consultation descended into pandemonium after it became apparent that the decision to fell the trees had already been made. Clare Berry was on record on many occasions as saying 'They must come down' and it seemed a complete farce that she should be taking part in a consultation and a decision when the outcome was already pre-judged, and this led to a formal complaint to the governance officer, by a member of a local society. This was fobbed off, as we were told that it was not all the trees that were meant, but just the diseased ones that everyone acknowledged had to come down.
A large number of residents turned up for the meeting where the decision was taken. As many as 50 residents packed out the council chamber on this occasion, but to no avail.
The trees in the south car park are due to be felled tomorrow, Monday 24th November. A group of Lib Dems will be meeting at 9 am to witness the closure of the car park as the operation commences. Without the trees the landscape will look bare and derelict and it is a very sad day for the town.
Said Tony Skottowe, leader of the Lib Dems on the council, and councillor for Handside Ward: "This is a sad day for the town. The council has on several occasions shown their contempt for both the public and their colleagues on the council. When I called for an examination of the way that they communicate with the public, I received contempt in exchange. I can only hope that they are finally willing to learn from their mistakes."
In the north car park, the situation is somewhat different, and the process is being put to scrutiny, as is the replanting scheme in the south car park. It may be possible that the less disruptive option of a gradual replanting may still be achieved in the north car park.
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