Lib Dems Criticise Council's Environment Attitude

11.38.32am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 14th Oct 2003

Lib Dem Councillor James Mumford at the site where the tree was sited

Teddington's Liberal Democrat Councillors Martin Elengorn and James Mumford were appalled after Council contractors felled an attractive tree in the centre of Teddington on Monday 13th October.

The Robinia was to remain the centrepiece of a controversial new landscaping scheme at the junction of Park Road and The Causeway, currently being implemented despite concerns from local residents and the Teddington Society.

Said Councillor Martin Elengorn: "I am making urgent enquiries to discover why this important and beautiful Robinia tree, which was the main feature of the landscaping of this crucial part of Teddington's town centre, was felled in the course of what was meant to be an improvement of the landscaping."

"The tree was clearly shown as "to be retained" on the plans that were passed. Quite honestly it would have been better to leave things as they were rather than lose this fine tree which, with its twin on the opposite corner, has been making a major contribution to greening this entrance to the town centre."

Councillor James Mumford has called for work to stop in order for a rethink of the scheme, and added: "This is a grotesque act of vandalism which calls into question the Council's ability to treat this important central space in Teddington with due sensitivity."

"What started out as a well-consulted idea from residents to improve safety and create an attractive, new open space has been distorted by the new Conservative administration's disdain for public consultation, which they clearly see as a nuisance. It is a tragedy which could have been easily avoided by keeping the dedicated local people who first proposed the improvements 'in the loop'."