Forum Topic

Tree felling?

WE have lost one of our beautiful mature trees in Birkbeck Grove. No notice or consultation or info for residents, of course, as usual with Ealing council, just the guys with the chainsaws arriving yesterday. Anyone know whether the council has a duty to replace trees they chop down? You would think at least they would tell us why they've destroyed it and spoilt the environment of our street, and how they are going to remedy the very sad gap it will create. How do we avoid another Sheffield happening in Acton? Trees are part of what makes our streets enjoyable and attractive places to live in - how do we stop the council ruining them, as it has already done with the dreadful harsh street lighting - they seem hell-bent on making Acton a horrid visual experience.Very sad.

Cathy Johns ● 3381d3 Comments

Unfortunately some of the most beautiful trees also as they grow larger start pulling up the paving stones.  It would be interesting to know how many years many of the trees have been there as different varieties have different rates of growth - not to mention any difference that the weather may have on them. Some near us I have known for thirty years.  Other younger ones have lasted less long sometimes due to lack of water in very dry times and it is useful if householders keep an eye on their street trees.  Recently street trees near us have been cut down but they all seemed to have fungus - and had notices on them.  I wonder how soon new ones can be planted.  There are definitely pavements which need some TLC before the NHS ends up patching more people up - and those people who trip may not over survive - they don't always - or they have life changing injuries and loss of confidence.  I doubt whether there are statistics as so many who have tripped over may just have suffered without complaining or even attending hospital.  How many take any further action?When we see skip lorries, scaffolding lorries, builders' lorries etc driving over the pavement and damaging it we should be very vociferous in our complaints. We should also report trip hazards to the Council to give them the chance of fixing the pavement.  You can do this online.Sometimes there are grants available from the Mayor of London and elsewhere for trees.  It is worth drawing this to the attention of the Council, the Councillors or your Residents Association etc in case they haven't spotted any announcements.  Much funding nowadays is gained nowadays by winning grants now that Central Government has restricted the grants to Councils. You could also ask your local Councillors to chase up after your wheelie bin if you get no response from the Council (although I suspect it is the Contractors who deal with this).You will find the details of your Local Councillors through a link at the very bottom of the front page on the RHS of the LBE website:   www.ealing.gov.uk

Philippa Bond ● 3381d

Thanks, Niki, that sounds promising - but the way things are going with Ealing's general lack of concern about Acton's environment and appearance (poor rubbish collection, wheelie bin nightmare, bad lighting etc) I wasn't hopeful. Maybe I should contact the relevant department but I don't imagine I'll get a reply, knowing how unresponsive Ealing council is. (We're still waiting to receive our second (small) wheelie.After at least six months.)

Cathy Johns ● 3381d

Hi Cathy - about a year ago we had a large tree taken down in our street.  We spoke to the people removing it asking them why and they explained that it was not a well tree at all.  Sure enough when they showed the trunk it was completely damaged / crumbling inside (looked fine to the unknowing eye).  It was a distaster waiting to happen. Over Christmas they have been planting sappling trees along our road and others, so they do replace trees and also add more.  Hopefully this will make you feel a bit more encouraged.

Niki Scrase ● 3381d