Trees to be replaced

Press, 4 February 1982, Page 9

Trees to be replaced

Residents of Roker Street in Spreydon may have to compromise in their views about their street’s trees. Some want all the trees removed, others want none of them touched.

The Christchurch City Council’s parks and recreation committee has said that 38 trees, more than half in the street should come out in a staggered pattern, and some places should be taken gradually by replantings. Most of the London plane trees, those causing the most problems with overhead lines and street lights, would be removed. The vigorous root systems of those trees also cause problems with footpaths and drains. The director of parks, Mr N. W. Drain, said the proposal was gener-

ally in line with council’s policy of having a more informal planting policy city streets. Most residents of Roker Street wanted replacement trees planted. The 36 remaining mature trees would be retained until new plantings had grown to a significant size. Then the council could consider removing more over the years to make room for new trees. The council had received two petitions on the trees, and had delivered circulars to the residents. After all were considered, it was shown that 43 properties were against any trees being removed, and 38 properties favoured all thetrees being removed; 16 residents signed both petitions.