Trees row in Flixton (From Messenger Newspapers)

Keep Trafford Green and Clean group hit out over tree felling in Flixton

3:00pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News

CAMPAIGN group Keep Trafford Green and Clean is protesting against the council’s decision to fell 15 mature trees on two roads in Flixton.

The group believes that cutting down the trees on Trevor Road and Delamere Road will not only have a negative impact on the natural environment, but will also increase the risk of flooding and affect house prices in the area.

Dr Nigel Woodcock, chairman of Keep Trafford Green and Clean, said: “Everyone benefits from having greenery in the area. The majority of Trafford residents value mature trees and the council shouldn’t be allowed to vandalise the natural environment.”

The group claims that the council is not following its own tree policy, which suggests felling healthy trees should be a last resort after other options for reducing risk have been considered, and believes that the decision is financially motivated.

Dr Woodcock added: “We think they are doing this to save money. Young lollipop trees are cheaper to maintain than mature trees.”

But Trafford Council said the trees concerned have outgrown their environment, are having a negative impact on residents, and in some instances are becoming dangerous.

Flixton councillor Paul Lally said: “Residents in Trevor & Delamere Road approached councillors with issue of trees that had become overbearing. The council gave immediate feedback before fully consulting in both locations.

The overwhelming view reported back was one of gratitude that this action is been taken.

"Keep Trafford Green & Clean Group are dismayed at this decision, however this view is misjudged.”