Tree works go ahead in St George's Road

Work to reduce the height of trees in St George's Road Swanley went ahead today as promised (see post of 24 February). The work, paid for from my Member Highway Fund, is reducing the tree height by a third.

There was some anxiety and uncertainty about the works this morning since the note from Kent Highways to residents spoke of reducing the trees to a "manageable hedge". As a resident pointed out to me, this sounded more drastic than a one-third reduction. The option of a bigger reduction - of a half - to more of a hedge size was considered last summer but turned down when it became clear that this was bigger than most residents wanted. 

However, following some calls to Kent Highways and popping up to the site (see picture) to talk to the contractors, I confirmed that the reduction being carried out today was, as agreed, one third. Encouragingly, Kent Highways believe that they can sustain this through a scheme of management - hence the reference in the letter to residents. 

Tree trimming in St George's Road due to start this week

Residents of St George's Road have been concerned about the scale of leaf fall from the row of trees in front of their homes, which causes a number of drainage problems. At the same time, the trees provide a screen from the London Road, so residents would certainly not like to see them cut down.

Before ...

Following a site visit last year, and several stages of consultation with residents, we agreed that the top third would be taken off the trees. This will be paid for from my Member Highway Fund and work is scheduled to begin this coming Wednesday, 27 February, lasting until the following Tuesday.  Other measures such as drain cleansing have also been taken.

... and after

Meanwhile, residents and local councillors have wanted to see a replacement for another tree which stands in front of the houses in St George's work but which died last year. A replacement, also paid for from my Member Highway Fund, has now been planted.