Blackburn road - in front of town hall.

[Neil]

It was a detailed report explaining the issues with the trees and what could be done to solve some of the problems with them

[Margaret Pilkington]

Well Neil, they would say that wouldn't they? And of course it would have to be a detailed report(they don't want some clever clogs to go picking holes in their rationale do they?)...I am sure it cost the council to have the 'independent' report drawn up to support their case.
However, I still do not trust it...but that is just the cynical kind of baggage that I am.

[Guinness]

Originally Posted by Neil

If you read the project details the section on trees has detailed reports explaining what the problems are with them and recommends they come down

What is it with you and lopping trees? You got one of these in your kitchen?

Cookstoves | InStove

[Neil]

Why do people get so wound up about a couple of trees? It's not like they are part of an ancient forest. They were planted by a couple of blokes in donkey jackets and new ones will be planted by a couple of blokes in hi viz jackets. Street trees are never expected to stay forever, they often have to be removed if they are at risk of dropping branches or falling over because of the danger to the passing public. Throughout Hyndburn trees are routinely cut down as part of a management plan. Lots have come down on the Coppice, Jackhouse and Whinney Hill in the last couple of years.

[Margaret Pilkington]

It might just be the these two trees have become(over the years) a feature of the town.
They soften the hard outlines of the Market hall.
Removing two beautiful mature trees and replacing them with the likes of those on Broadway is a travesty and an expensive travesty at that.
The whole project is questionable for reasons that I have already posted, but not least, the fact that one and a half million quid is coming out of OUR pockets and that is if it stays within budget!

[Margaret Pilkington]

It might just be the these two trees have become(over the years) a feature of the town.
They soften the hard outlines of the Market hall.
Removing two beautiful mature trees and replacing them with the likes of those on Broadway is a travesty and an expensive travesty at that.
The whole project is questionable for reasons that I have already posted, but not least, the fact that one and a half million quid is coming out of OUR pockets and that is if it stays within budget!

[Margaret Pilkington]

Not sure why this posted twice...other than it was sent from the top deck of the bus coming back from Preston.

[KiTChener]

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

Not sure why this posted twice...other than it was sent from the top deck of the bus coming back from Preston.

So it was a double decker then, Margaret!!

[Margaret Pilkington]

Yes it was...the link had totally gone over my head until you mentioned it

[Neil]

It's questionable because you don't trust the report

[Margaret Pilkington]

What is questionable Neil?
That the trees are beautiful, or that it is an expensive travesty?
No, I don't trust a report that allows for the removal of a couple of trees from the centre of the town. Especially as this report gives the council the approval for their removal...which is exactly what they wanted it to say.
There isn't much greenery in the town centre. The saplings in Broadway can't really be described as trees yet...and when they do reach maturity someone will want to come and chop them down.

[Neil]

Have you read the report?

[Margaret Pilkington]

I have already said that I haven't read the report Neil...in the same post that I said I wouldn't believe it if I had read it.

[Margaret Pilkington]

I have now looked at this report. The author cites health and safety...which always causes some twitchiness in authorities. God forbid that a conker should fall off and injure someone.
They also say that the roots could damage the new surface of the square...I hope this new surface is better than that which was laid on Broadway(at immense costs to the people of the borough)...on the plans it looks like the new surface is set to be setts or bricks.
It also says that the trees detract from the frontage of the market hall...the market hall benefits from the trees...they soften the hard Victorian lines of the building.

The whole project is a huge waste of money. It brings nothing to Accrington,it is just an expensive vanity project.
The one and a half million quid that WE are stumping up to add to the money which is being given by the Townscape Heritage Fund.
We would have been better off saying to them ' thanks, but no thanks'. The money could be better used.

[Less]

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

I have already said that I haven't read the report Neil...in the same post that I said I wouldn't believe it if I had read it.

It's done and dusted Margaret, the powers that be want to alter the town again, we've even had a poll of 60 or so people that proves it will be the most wonderful thing since the indoor market refurbishment and the removal of the benches from outside fiasco!

I bet one of the 'volunteers' gets a commision for having sorted their way through the paperwork to get a grant that costs us all 1.5 million.

But then, that seems to be the way of things, find a useless improvement, surround yourself with other so called volunteers then convince a small amount of people it's worthwhile, the Council and it's worthy employees paid to keep things sensible will fall in line because it looks like they've actually done something.