Prominent Gloucester tree is facing the chop
A prominent tree in Gloucester is set to be chopped down despite calls to save it.
The leylandii cypress trees which stand on St Mary’s Street along Gouda Way were meant to be felled in 2022 as they were causing damage to a wall belonging to King’s School.
One of the trees was felled by council contractors but Rebecca Trimnell, Liberal Democrats councillor, prevented the chopping of the other two.
Following Storm Eunice the King’s School wall fell over. They school is now looking to rebuild it, but to do so the 50-year-old tree needs to be cut down.
Councillor Trimnell has called on the authority to consider an alternative boundary structure to ensure the survival of the tree.
Councillor Trimnell said: “This council believes a compromise needs to be found with King’s School for the said tree to remain in situ and for an alternative measure of boundary security to be found”.
Council leader Richard Cook said the trees have a significant impact on King’s School.
He said: “The two trees are non-native and have grown to the point they are no longer safe. The wall cannot be rebuilt and I call on the council to vote down this motion.”
Councillors voted to reject the motion by 17 votes to 15 with two abstentions.