PRECIOUS TOWN CENTRE WILLOW TREE SET FOR THE CHOP TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT

Prepare to weep! This beautiful 40-year-old tree will soon exist no more

A MUCH-LOVED weeping willow tree in Grimsby town centre is to be felled to make way for new development.

The 40-year-old tree has been earmarked for felling because it stands in the way of a £3.5-million scheme to develop Garth Lane which includes replacement of the footbridge.

According to North East Lincolnshire Council, the project will also see "a transformation of the banks of the River Freshney, along with the green spaces and public areas leading down to the waterside".

The weeping willow will be sorely missed, but NELC say it only has "a limited lifespan".

The authority further claims that the tree has "some structural weakness" though this is not evident.

The willow is likely to be felled sooner rather than later lest it should become nesting habitat for a pair of blackbirds, robins or other songbird species later this spring.

It is illegal to cause disturbance to nesting birds.

Two new willow saplings will be sited near the new footbridge in due course.

As further compensation for the lost tree, further tree planning is also proposed.

Says a council spokesperson: "Five disease-resistant elms will be planted on the river side of the walkway that leads from the bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf with four stone pines planted on the opposite side. 

"In all, 10 trees will be planted on the site, and there is also a plan to plant a couple of willow trees on the opposite side of Frederick Ward Way to continue the flow of that species from Garth Lane and through onto the Riverhead."

What does NELC's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, have to say about the proposal?

According to him, the planting plan has "been carefully thought out to design the area in a different way".

He comments: “It may be perceived by some that we are taking out valuable trees, but the reality is that we are working extremely hard to ensure that what we put back is of far greater quality and value. 

"Our intention is to create a structured feel and ambience with a design that complements the whole area in the future.

" For example, the elms going in with their lovely yellow foliage will complement the red brick of the surrounding buildings. 

“Our aim is to structure the planting and set a precedent for the future.”