Trees at centre of campaign to save them have been chopped down (original) (raw)

Trees have been chopped down by Cardiff council despite more than 1,000 people signing a petition opposing it. On Wednesday tree surgeons chopped down the two mature lime trees in Neville Street in Riverside months after residents heard of the plans.

A decision to chop the trees down was approved following a report commissioned by the council earlier this year. It relates to an insurance claim which dates back to 2020 that the tree roots on the street were damaging the integrity of properties.

A row erupted over the claim in the following months and a petition was set up online by resident Mike Johnson which attracted 1,100 signatures. He said: “Removing the trees would be at the expense of the environment, both in a green sense and in as much as the loss of said trees would be detrimental to the tree-lined avenue presentation enjoyed and appreciated by residents and visitors alike along this busy thoroughfare."

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On Wednesday the trees were chopped down either side of a sign which reads: 'Sign to save.' (Image: Media Wales)

It follows property owners making insurance claims over fears the roots of the trees were affecting the integrity of their homes (Image: Media Wales)

He added: “The character of this part of the city’s leafy suburb would be further eroded. Felling the trees would have a negative impact on the area and the removal of mature trees will affect the value of property in the immediate vicinity. The felling would set a precedent and potentially lead to the destruction of all the trees along the entire length of Neville Street.”

On Wednesday the trees were chopped down either side of a sign which reads: “Sign to save.” Previous signs which have since been removed included one which read: “Help save me, don’t kill me.”

A Cardiff council spokesman said: “Investigations carried out as a result of an insurance claim confirmed that the roots of two lime trees on Neville Street are damaging the structural integrity of residential property and action to prevent any further damage was required. An independent report gave the council two options to consider: One: Remedial work to underpin the property and carry out extensive root tree pruning work (which could lead to the demise of the trees if they don’t recover from such extensive works). Two: To fell the trees.

“There is no guarantee that underpinning and root pruning would solve the problems. Felling trees is never a decision that is taken lightly however, following an initial postponement to give local ward members and the council time to engage and respond to constituents regarding this matter, work to remove the trees and ensure no further damage is caused to residential property is now under way. Tree root barriers will be installed and appropriate replacement trees will be planted in due course.”

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