Council Faces Backlash Over Plant Removal and Tree Cutting

Workers removed plants from a roundabout last week. This roundabout is on Darlington Road. Rose bushes were dug up nearby in Friary Gardens. Flowerbeds were also turfed over there.

North Yorkshire Council now manages these areas, which Richmondshire District Council previously managed. Councillor Stuart Parsons received many calls about the work. People also stopped him in the street, but he did not know about it beforehand.

Parsons said people are upset and he wants everything reinstated. He feels they must consult people for changes. A spokesperson said the town council knew about the work, but not the extent of it.

Alyson Swift, who lives near the roundabout, called it a “little oasis.” Birds used it as a refuge. She heard chainsaws and then saw the work. She is annoyed by the lack of warning. Owls lived in trees there, she said.

Jonathan Clubb, who heads parks and grounds, said they understand the importance of these areas. They are conducting improvement work at both locations as part of their annual winter works. This work became necessary.

Flowerbeds were moved in Friary Gardens to relocate some shaded beds and refresh others. They are also resurfacing a footpath there. Rose beds on the roundabout were thinly planted, and ivy weakened small trees. The bedding needed refreshing.

The scheme includes new grass and trees, and bedding will also be added. They hope this will increase biodiversity over time.