Council defends tree removal in Richmond as part of town improvement plan, drawing criticism from residents and councillors.
Workers cleared plants and trees last week. The roundabout is on Darlington Road. Rose bushes also disappeared, and flowerbeds got turfed in Friary Gardens. The council manages both areas now.
Stuart Parsons is a Richmond councillor. People contacted him about the sudden work and he wasn’t notified beforehand. People are upset about the changes.
He wants things back how they were. The town council knew work would happen, but they didn’t know the extent of changes.
Alyson Swift lives near the roundabout. She called it a little oasis that was a refuge for birds before. She heard chainsaws and then it was gone. She’s annoyed the council removed the green space without asking anyone first. She said owls perched in the trees at night.
Jonathan Clubb heads parks for the council. He knows the areas are vital for residents and wildlife. That’s why they’re doing improvement work as part of their winter program. The areas needed the work.
Flowerbeds moved within Friary Gardens into brighter spaces, and they are refreshing other beds. They are resurfacing the footpath. The roundabout’s rose beds were sparse, and ivy weakened the small trees. The bedding needed refreshing. The new plan includes grass, bedding, and trees, which will hopefully boost biodiversity over time.