Campaigners doing their cherry best to save trees

Kiss of Death For Wellholme Cherry Trees

Im sure Im not alone in describing this months display of blossom on the

cherry trees in Wellholme Park, Brighouse as magnificent. The arcade of

trees has stood in the park for decades, and is one of the principle features at

this time of year. Sadly, this could be for the last time unless action is taken

by Calderdale Council to cancel plans to fell the trees. — Kiss of Death For Wellholme Cherry Trees Im sure Im not alone in describing this months display of blossom on the cherry trees in Wellholme Park, Brighouse as magnificent. The arcade of trees has stood in the park for decades, and is one of the principle features at this time of year. Sadly, this could be for the last time unless action is taken by Calderdale Council to cancel plans to fell the trees.

Residents have reacted angrily to plans which would see five cherry trees removed from the park as they have become diseased.

Councillor Scott Benton (Con, Brighouse) said hundreds of people have signed the petition to save the trees,

“What we want to do is see if we can get the Council to think again about pulling them down.”

Coun Benton said independent inspectors have looked at the trees and said they could remain.

Andrew Pitts, Calderdale Council’s Head of Neighbourhoods, said: “Our qualified, experienced forestry officers regularly inspect all trees in our parks across Calderdale. They found that some trees in Wellholme Park are unfortunately showing signs of decay, which is not preventable and there is a risk of collapse if they are not removed.

“We never take the decision to remove trees lightly and would not recommend removal unless absolutely necessary, such as when they pose a safety risk. Therefore, for safety reasons we plan to remove the affected trees before the middle of summer.

“We have been regularly meeting and consulting with the Friends group, and if there is any new information that anyone would like to share with us we would be happy to consider this.”