Campaigners took to the streets of Formby Village as residents called for Sefton Council to reverse its decision to remove iconic trees from the town's main shopping centre. Many were dismayed at Sefton Council's renewed attack on 2 mature horse chestnut trees despite a report commission by Formby Parish Council, showing that with the right treatment the current state of decline could be reversed making the trees healthy and structurally safe for many more years to come.
Some residents felt that Sefton Council Officers have retreated behind "Health and Safety" claiming that no treatment can prevent the trees becoming a risk to the public because campaigners for the trees have addressed every other obstacle raised by the Sefton Council.
One resident said "we have secured the funding, we have the Arboriculturalist to do the job, the pit extensions are just a matter if raising a few flagstones, for minimal cost and effort we get to keep these majestic trees and restore them back to their former glory. Surely its a no brainier"?
Despite recommendation to retain the two trees by Mr Bruce Hatton an expert Arboriculturalist appointed by the Parish Council, who cites amongst his clients the Royal Household and who has advised many other City, District and Borough Councils, Sefton Council Officers suggest that Mr Hatton was unable to see the true state of the trees from the ground. Therefore they reject his conclusions.
To resolve the matter residents lobbied Formby Parish Councillors to commission a further inspection of the trees to include climbing the trees for close visual inspection. On Tuesday 4th of September, Formby Parish Council voted unanimously to back this course of action.
I have little doubt that when this new report is written Mr Hatton's judgement will be shown to be sound.
Currently the trees are scheduled to be removed on the 4th of October. If you have not done so already I would ask you to sign our online petition, you can also sign up for updates from this blog.
Thanks to all those who collected signatures in Formby village and the fabulous village shops for supporting our campaign.
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