Saving the Springside Trees

May 24th 2006

Local resident Kate Levey is so incensed about plans to chop down some trees in Springside that she has started a protest.

For months the Springside area has been earmarked for a regeneration project. But only recently plans were revealed that would involve felling ten of the seventeen mature trees. Some of the trees would go in order to make way for an enlarged entrance to the car park. Although the existing entrance is both narrow and steep, it is not clear why this move is necessary. Gaps exist between the trees that could accommodate an entrance of more than twice the width of the existing walkway.

The trees in question are healthy, mature specimens which support birds and provide shade.

"They screen the view of the car park from the rest of Springside," Kate said.

Kate has been gathering a petition, and is urging people to write to local councillor John Hough to let him know their views about the matter. You can find John's contact details on the ELDC website.

On Monday 22nd May, Kate put up notices warning people about the proposed tree felling, although some of these notices have since been taken down.

Groundwork Lincolnshire have been co-ordinating the project, which is currently under the direction of Helen Turtons and Julia Watts. According to Julia, "The majority [of the trees] need to come out to facilitate a safer site."

The work is due to go ahead in the week starting with the May bank holiday on the 29th.