Storm Eunice saves Gloucester trees from the chop

The trees along Gouda Way were set to be felled as they were causing damage to a brick wall.

Rebecca Trimnell with the trees of St Marys Street
Author: Carmelo GarciaPublished 2nd Mar 2022
Last updated 2nd Mar 2022

Two prominent conifer trees in Gloucester which were facing the chop have been saved by Storm Eunice. The tall leylandii cypress trees which stand on the corner of St Mary’s Street along Gouda Way were set to be felled as they were causing damage to a brick wall belonging to King’s School.

One of the three trees was felled by council contractors but Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Rebecca Trimnell intervened to stop them cutting the other two down. Council chiefs in Gloucester said they were going to work with school leaders to save the remaining trees. But during Storm Eunice the wall appears to have blown over and now council leaders say they have pulled any plans to take down the tree.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said: “Prior to Storm Eunice, the instability of an old brick wall was given as the reason to fell perfectly healthy conifer trees. “Now that Storm Eunice has blown down the old brick wall, the trees have been inspected and as the wall no longer stands, the trees themselves do not pose a danger. The trees are both healthy and secure in the ground.

Dr Rebecca Trimnell who campaigned to save the trees said: “I am very pleased that the leader has decided not to fell these trees. “They not only act as a wind-break, but also absorb much of the pollution from cars driving along Gouda Way.

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