Council responds after anger and sadness at tree being cut down

The council has responded after sadness and frustration at a tree being cut down in Feniscowles.

The tree on Cherry Tree Lane, believed to be a rare black poplar, was cut down last year. Matt Rishton expressed sadness at the council’s decision but bosses said this was done for health and safety reasons.

Matt said: “The tree stood as long as living memory and has been needlessly hacked down next to Cherry Tree Library (formerly known as Livesey Library).

“I got some soil which I know will have some of their tiny seeds in. I am going to plant and distribute them. I encourage anyone else who cares to do the same.”

Matt said he was “very upset” to see the tree had been chopped down adding that he used to climb it as a child.

He said: “If it was chopped down on health and safety grounds, you might as well chop every single tree down because ‘it might just fall on somebody at some time’.

“I never meant to create such a backlash. What I find disappointing is how many people think this is a good idea.”

A council spokesperson said high winds caused a branch to snap from the main frame of the tree, which caused a health and safety issue.

It said there are various ongoing tree-planting projects taking place across the borough.

Tony Watson, head of environment at Blackburn with Darwen Council said: “We’re really glad to hear that the tree at Cherry Tree Lane was so popular, and hope other residents appreciate the trees in their areas.

“However unfortunately, we had to take the decision to fell this tree last year based on health and safety grounds.

“During high winds, a large branch snapped from the main frame of the tree. There was additional damage to the tree and a crack in the union which means that there were two stems left leaning towards the road, where several cars park and where children pass daily on their walk to school. Therefore, due to the risk, we had no option but to remove the tree.

“We reassure residents that all options were considered for the retention of the tree before the decision was made.

“The good news is, we have various ongoing tree planting projects taking place across the borough. One of those is Treescapes, in conjunction with Lancashire County Council. As part of this, six trees will be planted on Cherry Tree Lane in the next three months. We hope residents enjoy the new additions!”