Cleethorpes tree roots probe likely to bring five holiday weeks' worth of noise and disruption

 

                                                       

Some of the 13  trees whose roots are to due be assessed (photo: NELC)

FIVE weeks of disruption are in prospect on Cleethorpes' busiest shopping street.

Starting on Monday,  North East Lincolnshire Council will be undertaking highway maintenance work around 13 magnificent trees on St Peter's Avenue between High Street and Albert Road.

Local businesses have been informed of the project, and every effort will be made to minimise upheaval during the work.

The planned work is to investigate the extent of tree root growth around the trees ahead of proposed footway improvement in the future.

Says a council spokesperson: "Highway trees in paved surfaces are like any other highway element that requires maintenance or replacement over their life cycle. 

"However, the difference between highway trees and elements, such as street lights and bollards, is that they do not remain static.

"They grow both above and below ground.

"To enable a full assessment, exploratory trial holes will be excavated around the trunks in order to assess the root growth ahead of prospective pruning and footway resurfacing.

"The work will be localised around individual trees, and the footway around each  will be closed to ensure safety for both staff working for the contractor, CES Ltd, and for the public.  

"Temporary traffic signals will be used during the works to enable a temporary footway to be provided within the carriageway.

"Although every effort will be made to minimise disruption, some of the activity will be noisy."

The spokesperson adds: "The council and the contractor would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience and to give assurance  that the work will be completed as quickly and safely as possible."