The fate of the village trees went right down to the wire as Formby Parish Council raced to meet the conditions set by Sefton Council in order to save them from the chop.
If not for some last minute hurdle jumping from Claire Jenkins, Formby's very able Parish Clerk our trees would have been saw dust by now. The future of these magnificent trees still remain uncertain as the advice from the Parish Council's Arboricultural Consultants makes it clear that if work to improve the tree pits and the roots is not carried out then the trees will continue to decline.
I have included a copy of the correspondence between the Borough Council and the Parish Council over the pruning of the trees. Sefton did not make it easy and presented many last minute hurdles, it is to the credit of the Parish Clerk and Parish Councillors that they/we had the tenacity to keep going. This was made easier by the knowledge that 4200 local residents were right behind us.
The next battle will be at least as hard if not harder as we attempt to get Sefton Council to allow us to alter the pavements, introduce mulching and employ an alternative to salt on our icy pavements. Expect many more hurdles, and consistent opposition from Sefton Council Officers. We must push on with this program of works as soon as possible, this is where the voices of local people will be much needed once again. So stick around I have a feeling the biggest battles are yet to come.
