Row over council plans to chop down tree on Wigan street

The tree which the council has decided needs to be cut down

The local authority says it will replace the cherry blossom tree with a blossoming pear.

Residents had resigned themselves to the loss of some greenery due to disease but were shocked when workmen turned up last week to remove the tree as they had been told it was only going to be pruned.

Wigan Council has now provided several reasons why the tree is going, although the tree was not chopped down during the first site visit after neighbours remonstrated with the workmen.

But Coun Lol Hunt, who represents Wigan Central ward, says proper consultation needs to be carried out.

A town hall spokesperson said: “Following additional inspections of the tree and adopted highway, the decision to fell the tree was taken and to replace it with a blossoming pear tree.

“The condition of the tree was just one factor taken into consideration, along with damage to the adopted highway and reported damage to private property. A new tree will be planted in close proximity to the original tree and will be better suited to the environment it is planted in.

“It will have a root barrier system around it which will contain its roots and also reduce the chances of it becoming damaged by highway excavations or utility works.”

The council said notices are being placed in the area about a consultation.

However, Coun Hunt has expressed concern that a decision was made before this happened.

Coun Hunt said: “The council shouldn’t be making a decision and then consulting afterwards. There needs to be proper, meaningful consultation with residents asked for their views on a proposals.

“It can’t just be a telling exercise where the council gives instructions on what is going to happen.”

The possible loss of the tree has upset residents, who say the stunning blossom is a major feature of their area and questioned the council's decision-making process..

One concerned neighbour said: "Myself and lots of other residents wish to strongly object to this beautiful healthy tree being unnecessarily chopped down. The local area is well known for these cherry blossoms in spring and people travel from all over to photograph them."