About correspondence with Councillors

This part of the forum is provided to enable supporters to see the current state of correspondence with Councillors.

Correspondence has been taken from the wrtrees email files and items are posted in order of date of initiating contact. So all dialogue between two correspondents appears under that initial contact date.

Correspondence with council officials and the MP has been included for completeness, but most of the correspondence is with two of the three Councillors for the Whalley Range ward.

You can add subsequent items within current posts by editing the post. You can add subesquent items with later initiating contact dates by replying to the posts.

5 Nov 2010 JT to Cllr John Grant

To: sajjad55@hotmail.co.uk
From: [JT]
Subject: Whalley Range trees
Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 16:33:08 +0000

Dear Mr Mohammed Sajjad

I am writing to you as you are our local Liberal Democrat MP, hoping
that you can help us save the tall trees in Whalley Range.

Manchester City Council have not consulted with the local population
in a Democratic way, before commencing a programme of cutting down
tall trees in Whalley Range.

I am shocked to find out that the much admired healthy 75 year old
Ash tree in my cul-de-sac, Deeping Avenue, M16 8GB will be cut down
this December 2010. Ash trees can live to the age of 200 years old!

I have not been given any scientific reason given for cutting this
tree down.

Part of the character of Whalley Range is its amazing trees, and the
wildlife living here; wonderful Tawny Owls for example, that can be
heard calling in the night at this time of year.

I have chosen to live here permanently, and moved into my house in
January 2009. The Ash tree ...and all the tall trees in the
neighbourhood, are part of my chosen home environment.

The Council have stated they will plant Sweet Chestnut Trees in my
road, but I have not been consulted, and do not want half a dozen
trees imposed on our little avenue.

We only have two trees; and I fear Chestnut Trees will make our road
darker as they grow, and gradually reduce the amount of daylight
inside my house.

I have been to a local meeting of the Whalley Range Tree Group
(Email: wrtrees@gmail.com) held at "Body Positive" Russell Road;
where David Davidson the Councillor responsible for the decision to
cut the trees down was present.
Despite our reasoned protests ...he was completely determined to
carry on cutting the trees down.

I suspect that the Council does not want the expense of looking after
the trees properly? ...but when I raised this question, I got an
abrupt denial.

But an important part of our environment healthy trees are being
ruthlessly destroyed, very shortly, unless we can do something to
stop it.

Yours sincerely

[JT]
15 Nov 2010 Cllr John Grant to JT

From: Councillor John BF Grant <Cllr.J.Grant@manchester.gov.uk>
Date: 15 November 2010 10:49:06 GMT
To: [JT]
Subject: WR trees
[JT], thank you for contacting mohammed sajjad. he forwarded your mail to me. i have just read a mail from another resident which makes it quite clear what a bereavement it will be when their tree is replaced. i don't underestimate the impact of this programme on individuals but 10 years ago when i started to campaign for the council to put in a proper tree management plan it was because i was getting complaints about dangerous pavements, broken drains and foundations. some of these problems and the problems in alex park come from the fact that the council was not doing enough to look after its trees.
i am no expert on what is an over mature tree. i have however seen the evidence officers have produced to show how trees on certain roads are deteriorating even in this last 10 years. the replacement trees are not the small street trees which are being planted elsewhere. communication with local people has not been at its best. what was clear was that doing nothing and being faced with massive replacements would be dangerous to the foundations as the water removed from the soil suddenly changed. all trees that are removed are going to be replaced and hopefully as this is done with 1 or 2 on any road each year that the impact will not be catastrophic. i certainly hope the next generation will be able to enjoy the trees as i have and appreciate that what we do now is painful but that the new trees will guarantee whalley range remains the most treed area in the city outside a park.
i expect none of this helps you. your tree is a one off on a little treed road. the replacemts are not small street trees but in keeping with the conservation area. sorry if i don't sound more helpful.

John
Cllr John Grant
Manchester LibDem Spokesman on Adult Services
Liberal Democrat Councillor for Whalley Range

17 Nov 2010 JT to Cllr John Grant

John
thank you for your reply
As you expected, I am disappointed by the content of your email.
David Davidson came to the Whalley Range Tree Group meetings, but could not give, or quote, any scientific or expert opinion explaining what an overmature tree is.
I do not believe that the only solution is to cut healthy trees down and damage the environment.
There are diseased trees in Whalley Range that are NOT being cut down!
Why can't these be cut down instead of the healthy trees?
If the Council has been neglectful, then can't it spend the money on repairing drains etc instead? Is it not possible to create a safe, gentle ramp in the asphalt to cover uneven pavement over tree roots?
Council Wheely bins randomly scattered or knocked over on the pavement are a regular hazard.
Please note: there has only been ONE report of a tree falling in the recent windy night, when the wind was recorded as gusting at 80mph. This proves how healthy the trees are.
The magnificent Ash tree in Deeping Avenue was shaken but not stirred in the least by that storm.
Manchester City Council seems to be set on a shameful strategy of destruction as a cheap solution to a problem caused by their past neglectfulness.
[JT]
...deeply upset of Deeping Avenue

14 Nov 2010 BW to Cllrs

14/11/2010 14:07

To: cllr.m.watson@manchester.gov.uk, cllr.f.bhatti@manchester.gov.uk, cllr.j.grant@manchester.gov.uk
cc: wrtrees@gmail.com
Subject: Whalley Range Trees


Dear Councillors Watson, Bhatti and Grant,

I'm prompted to write after reading the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan 2009/2029 .

I've been able to look at the Manchester Tree Strategy 2006-2010 and found it interesting given the low level of consultation that appears to have existed over the WR plan. I certainly feel that the communication from the council both in terms of what is proposed and the reasons put forward has been disappointing.

I'd be interested to know what factors lead to a judgement of trees being assessed as 'over mature' and how/whether that is intended to foreshadow imminent problems of disease or instability.

The Mcr Tree Strategy (2006-10) document is impressive and tends to suggest there should have been a great deal more engagement locally by this stage. It does suggest that some historical management approaches have left areas with a tree stock that is dominated by large numbers of trees which will all approach the end of their life at a similar time (p10). And I recognise that this may be a problem the council now faces in Whalley Range.

However, it's not the case for management that I'm contesting, but the method of approach that fails to reassure local people. Given the historic character of the area (laid out and planted in the mid-nineteenth century) and the proportion of trees due to be felled over a relatively brief period (50% over 20 years) I think information should have been provided to show that everything reasonable has been done to reduce the aesthetic and environmental impact of planned works and that the works are absolutely essential for the safe and effective management of trees in the area.

To quote the council's own strategy document, we "should view problem trees as challenges to be resolved, rather than reasons to ...remove existing trees." (p10). And problems relating to obstruction of traffic or pedestrians or pavement breakage, are "usually a maintenance issue." (p11).

I'd be very interested to know whether some particular strategy objectives have been met in the council's action plan contained in the strategy. After all, the council's Green City web page (part of Environmental Services pages) makes much of the progress being made.

"On 26th July 2006, the Strategy was formally approved at Executive, making it one of the fastest produced tree strategies in the Country. The hard work in realising the Action Plan is well underway."

Green City web page


The Tree Strategy - Objective 1 (p31) includes development of a web area in the "Green City" site in 2006 to "help inform people about our tree resources" - the web area to be improved over each subsequent year.

This resource now appears to be provided by the council's site wildaboutmanchester.info, but the most recent information on its pages seems to come from 2008/09. As I write, I can find no active links for the tree strategy and one newsletter that appears to be about two years old.

The strategy also proposes the establishment and maintenance of a voluntary tree warden scheme from 2007 (p33). Has there been any effort to engage with people in Whalley Range, in light of the latest proposals, to increase the number and effectiveness of voluntary wardens in the area? I understand there is one warden who feels relatively uninformed and unconvinced about the council's approach.

There are a couple of places in the strategy where the council's investment in "world class" GIS technology (p28) is vaunted as a resource to improve both involvement and management (p36). Is it possible to access an online map of the WR area with all the proposed fellings indicated and the remaining trees identifiable - a "before and after" map?

There is something I find confusing too. I'd appreciate if you could find out the answer to this one. In the WR plan (to 2029) it says that lime trees (third page) are 'considered unsuitable and inappropriate for a street setting'. But in the detailed management plan (for years 1-5) a large number of specific limes (as well as some horse chestnuts) appear to be listed for felling and replacement with further limes.

Personally, I very much like lime trees and don't find either the 'honeydew' or the epicormic growth at all off-putting. But I'd be interested to understand the apparent contradiction. It seems like another example of relevant information not getting through.

Finally, could you please provide me with the latest named contacts for the following council posts? Head of Environmental Services; Green City Project Director; and Head of Planning.

Thanks in advance,

[BW] (ward resident)


15 Nov Cllr John Grant to BW
From: Councillor John BF Grant <Cllr.J.Grant@manchester.gov.uk>
Subject: Re: Whalley Range Trees
To: [BW]
Date: Monday, 15 November, 2010, 9:24

thank you [BW]. some of the issues you raise are easier to answer than others. vicky rosin is head of environmental services and peter babb head of planning. not sure about green city project director off my head but am told beverley taylor is probably the person to contact.

we have been told that the existing limes are not the variety that should ever have been planted. the replacement limes will not produce epicormisc growth or mattract the aphids.

these are the easy answers. as far as the bigger question is concerned i have camaigned for 10 years for the council to put in place a proper tree management strategy. over the last 30 years the street trees and those in alex park have not been well managed and i was getting complaints from residents. the lack of management was seen as contributing to damage to pavements, drains and foundations. whalley range is the most treed area in the city outside a park and essential part of the character of the area. so they need to be properly looked after.

the council appoints officers with the training to assess the health and well being of its trees. what has been interesting is that even in 10 years on some road the assessments have signicantly deteriorted and what at one time was said to be ok is now regarded as over mature or getting potentially dangerous. what was quite clear was that if the council failed to act and found in 20 years time that large numbers had to be removed this could potentailly have a very bad impact on foundations as the water removed from the soiled was suddendly switched off. hence the 20 year programme of replacemnt so that on most roads it is only 1 yeach year. they are not being replaced with small street trees.

communication probably could have been better. the management of street trees is the responsibility of the council. trees have the abilty to divide. on this occasion the council has put in place a programme and that is its responsibilty. i hope that those who fol;low us appreciate the trees in whalley range and that for most people the programme is gradual enough that they can live with the change and enjoy the sight of new growing trees mainatining the character of this special area.

best wishes



John
Cllr John Grant
Manchester LibDem Spokesman on Adult Services
Liberal Democrat Councillor for Whalley Range


24 Nov 2010 Cllr Mary Watson to BW

Date: Wednesday, 24 November, 2010, 16:39

Dear [BW],

Thank you for contacting me about the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan. My apologies for not responding sooner but I have been away for a while.
I will try to answer your questions in the order raised.
the judgement about trees being over mature comes from our Council's Arboriculturists.
I think that the re-planting of our streets with modern equivalents of the historical Lime Trees (predominantly but not exclusively) at the same time as trees are removed is about making sure that we continue to have a good stock of street trees in Whalley Range into the future.
the Council has been planting trees on Whalley Range Streets that did not have any street trees for several years now. This is always done in consultation with local residents, not all of whom welcome a tree in the street outside of their house. This has been an unheralded part of tree planting and management for some time. I don't know if this meets the Council's Tree Strategy objectives or not but it should do.
I think we have 7 tree wardens in Whalley Range.
I don't think it is yet possible to access a GIS map in the way you suggest but I will make further enquiries about this.
I understand that the issue about Lime Trees is that the majority (if not all) the Lime Trees planted many years ago were of the variety then available. Since then, different Lime Tree varieties have become available that do not produce the vast amount of epicormic growth or attract the aphids that produce the honeydew. This is outlined at the end of the Tree Plan where the new tree species to be planted are listed.
The Council's Head of Environmental Strategy is Richard Sharland and the Head of Planning is Peter Babb.

I'm sorry that you appear not to have received information about the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan last year when most households were circulated with information. All households in the streets where trees were to be felled and replaced were also sent a letter prior to the felling as they will be this year as well.

Mary Watson
Labour Councillor for Whalley Range

17 Nov 2010 JT to Gerald Kaufman MP

Dear Gerald Kaufman,

Manchester City Council are determined to cut down half the trees in Whalley Range. They cannot give a scientific reason for this Environmental disaster.

I would be happy for a dangerous tree to be cut down, but Residents know there are diseased trees that are NOT going to be cut down! The trees provide cool shade, improve air quality, absorb runoff water, and support wildlife. Damage may be caused to structures when the dead roots collapse and heave the ground. The loss of tall trees will affect the environment, character and the value of Whalley Range

Surely the Council should be taking more care of Whalley Range? They will plant replacement trees afterwards: but if these survive vandalism, it will be decades before the tall trees will be restored. I would prefer the underplanting of new trees and removal of diseased trees, when necessary, to avoid all the above problems.

I and my neighbours do not feel we have been consulted by Manchester City Council. I am a home owner who chose to live in this area, with a magnificent Ash tree in my road that was undamaged by the recent 80mph wind.

I have only heard of one tree fallling in Whalley Range during that unusually powerful storm.

Yours sincerely,

[JT]


18 Nov 2010 Gerald Kaufman MP toJT

From: The Rt. Hon. Sir Gerald Kaufman, M.P
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
18 November 2010

Dear [JT]
Thankyou for your letter dated 17 November. You have brought to my attention something of which I was completely unaware, and which, of course, causes me great concern. We ought to be planting trees, as I have done in different parts of our constituency over recent years, rather than cutting them down. Of course, as you say, the wind can blow trees down and, indeed, only last week blew down a large tree in my own garden. But this kind of action really does need at best explaining, and, if possible, thwarting. I shall make inquiries immediately and then be in touch with you again.
yours sincerely,
Gerald Kaufman  

17 Nov 2010 SS to Cllr Mary Watson

To: <cllr.m.watson@manchester.gov.uk>
Subject: Whalley Range Tree Management Plan
17/11/2010 10:55

17th November, 2010

Dear Mrs. Watson,

I have recently become aware of council plans regarding the street trees where I live, and having become interested have had the opportunity to review the Manchester Tree Strategy 2007 – 2010. The Strategy aims - “involve creatively, manage sustainably, plant appropriately and protect strongly” - seem to me to provide an excellent framework for the protection of what has been described in the Tree Strategy document as “one of our most valuable resources”.

I write with concern, however, regarding the current phase of the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan – WR Tree Felling and Replacement Yrs 1 to 5. The document indicates that of the seventy nine trees being felled, only two have been classified as “Diseased / Dying”, the rest being defined as “Over-mature and unsuitable for location or in decline”. I recognise the requirement to manage the tree stock carefully and appreciate that this may mean that in certain circumstances trees may be ‘managed out’ before they are classified as diseased or dying – but given the context of the 20 year plan which envisages the felling of 473 trees, you can perhaps understand my concern.

I believe that the tree stock in Whalley Range is of such a unique character, quality and maturity; and that these trees are such an integral part of what makes Whalley Range an attractive place worthy of its ‘conservation area’ status; that each individual tree needs to be evaluated on its own merits. Further, it is my opinion that every effort should be made to sustain and retain these trees for as long as is feasible. In short, because I believe each tree in Whalley Range contributes individually and collectively (in the form of mature urban ‘avenues’) to the unique and historical character of the area, then every effort should be made to protect them.

I urge you therefore to contact the council with a view to suspending the current phase of the planned felling until it can be ascertained that trees will only be removed where this is unavoidable. In addition I urge that, rather than awaiting the gradual demise of the tree stock, the council seeks to look for every opportunity to plant in advance of any tree felling (as has occurred in Dudley Rd over the last 10 years or so). Finally I urge that any replacement trees are chosen carefully to ensure the replication of the stature and quality of the current tree stock, following guidance in the Council’s explanatory leaflet which describes Conservation Area policy.

The current phase of the plan resulted in the felling of 25 trees in 2009, only two of which were classified as “Diseased / Dying”, and will continue with the felling in December 2010 of a further 19 trees, none of which have been classified as “Diseased / Dying”. Given the urgency of this matter I would appreciate an early response to this letter.

Best regards,

[SS]
Concerned Resident, Whalley Range.


24 Nov 2010 Cllr Mary Watson to SS
Dear [SS],

Thank you for contacting me about the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan. As the Plan says,
'The purpose of this plan is to retain the character of Whalley Range as a tree-lined area both now and in the future.

Whalley Range is a distinctive area of the City with a high proportion of Victorian and Edwardian properties. A large part of Whalley Range is a Conservation Area. One of the features that makes Whalley Range special is the extensive tree canopy – many of which were planted when the area was developed.

This plan recognises the value of trees to Whalley Range’s community. It proposes a way in which the tree stock can be managed so as to retain the tree canopy whilst reducing some of the negative impact of trees to the ward’s environment. The plan covers a five year programme which is the first phase of a twenty year management plan. This phased approach means that only between 2-5% of the over mature trees in the ward are removed each year and this will ensure that there is never a point of complete failure of the tree stock in future decades. Replacements will be at least 2.5 metres tall and of not less than 12 cm girth and we will ensure that varieties will be chosen that will not be over-sized or have problems of honeydew or epicormic growth.

Whalley Range is unique and this requires a bespoke approach to tree management. What differentiates this plan from our citywide approach is that we will be taking a long term, proactive approach to the replacement of trees that are either in a rapid state of decline or those which are too large and unsuitable for their current location. Overall our strategic approach is incremental and sensitive to local needs.'

From your email, it appears that your concern is that the plan is too proactive and not sensitive enough to local needs. However, there is no doubting that the number of complaints that are received about the effect of our overmature trees is quite high - particularly the epicormic growth and restriction of pavement width problems. The Plan is an attempt, therefore, to deal with those local needs as well as ensuring that we have a healthy population of trees going into the future and are not faced with the loss of many trees at the same time.

We are also lucky in parts of Whalley Range that many of our trees are actually in our gardens and this contributes to the mature urban avenues that you describe. The Council are also in the process of planting trees in roads that have never had the benefit of them and have been doing this for several years. The difference is that the trees being planted now are species similar to the older trees but more suited to an urban area in that they do not present the problems of the trees planted 100+ years ago. The Tree Plan is not perfect but does attempt to make sure that the leafy character of our area continues into the future.

I don't know if you are a member of the newly constituted Whalley Range Tree Group that is meeting weekly but I know that that Group is trying to work with the Council on the detailed implementation of the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan both in terms of the felling of 19 trees and the planting of 38 replacement trees in year 2 of the Plan. I think that is the way forward.

Mary Watson
Labour Councillor for Whalley Range

21 Nov 2010 KF to Cllr Mary Watson

[KF]
21st November 2010
Dear Mrs. Watson,
I have recently become aware of council plans regarding the street trees where I live and
having read the Manchester Tree Strategy 2007 – 2010 wish to raise some concerns regarding
the current phase of the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan – WR Tree Felling and
Replacement Yrs 1 to 5.
The document indicates that of the seventy nine trees being felled, only two have been
classified as “Diseased / Dying”, the rest being defined as “Over-mature and unsuitable for
location or in decline”. I recognise the requirement to manage the tree stock carefully and
appreciate that this may mean that in certain circumstances trees may be ‘managed out’
before they are classified as diseased or dying – but am concerned given the context of the 20
year plan which envisages the felling of 473 trees.
I believe that the tree stock in Whalley Range is of such a unique character, quality and
maturity and that these trees form an integral part of what makes Whalley Range an attractive
place worthy of its ‘conservation area’ status and believe that each individual tree needs to be
evaluated on its own merits and every effort should be made to sustain and retain these trees
for as long as is feasible.
I urge you therefore to contact the council with a view to suspending the current phase of
the planned felling until it can be ascertained that trees will only be removed where this is
unavoidable. I would also suggest that rather than awaiting the gradual demise of the tree
stock, the council seeks to look for every opportunity to plant in advance of any tree felling.
The current phase of the plan resulted in the felling of 25 trees in 2009, only two of which
were classified as “Diseased / Dying”, and will continue with the felling in December 2010
of a further 19 trees, none of which have been classified as “Diseased / Dying”. I believe that
this matter is urgent and requires an expeditious review.
Regards,
[KF]
Resident, Whalley Range.


24 Nov 2010 Cllr Mary Watson to KF
Dear [KF]
Thank you for contacting me about the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan. As the Plan says,
The purpose of this plan is to retain the character of Whalley Range as a tree-lined area both now and in the future.

Whalley Range is a distinctive area of the City with a high proportion of Victorian and Edwardian properties. A large part of Whalley Range is a Conservation Area. One of the features that makes Whalley Range special is the extensive tree canopy – many of which were planted when the area was developed.

This plan recognises the value of trees to Whalley Range’s community. It proposes a way in which the tree stock can be managed so as to retain the tree canopy whilst reducing some of the negative impact of trees to the ward’s environment. The plan covers a five year programme which is the first phase of a twenty year management plan. This phased approach means that only between 2-5% of the over mature trees in the ward are removed each year and this will ensure that there is never a point of complete failure of the tree stock in future decades. Replacements will be at least 2.5 metres tall and of not less than 12 cm girth and we will ensure that varieties will be chosen that will not be over-sized or have problems of honeydew or epicormic growth.

Whalley Range is unique and this requires a bespoke approach to tree management. What differentiates this plan from our citywide approach is that we will be taking a long term, proactive approach to the replacement of trees that are either in a rapid state of decline or those which are too large and unsuitable for their current location. Overall our strategic approach is incremental and sensitive to local needs.

From your letter it appears that your concern is that the plan is too proactive and not sensitive enough to local needs. However, there is no doubting that the number of complaints that are received about the effect of our overmature trees is quite high - particularly the epicormic growth and restriction of pavement width problems. The Plan is an attempt, therefore, to deal with those local needs as well as ensuring that we have a healthy population of trees going into the future and are not faced with the loss of many trees at the same time.

We are also lucky in parts of Whalley Range that many of our trees are actually in our gardens and this contributes to the area. The Council are also in the process of planting trees in the many streets that have never had the benefit of them and have been doing this for several years. The difference is that the trees being planted now are species similar to the older trees but more suited to an urban area in that they do not present the problems of the trees planted 100+ years ago. The Tree Plan is not perfect but does attempt to make sure that the leafy character of our area continues into the future.

I don't know if you are a member of the newly constituted Whalley Range Tree Group that is meeting weekly but I know that that Group is trying to work with the Council on the detailed implementation of the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan both in terms of the felling of 19 trees and the planting of 38 replacement trees in year 2 of the Plan. I think that is the way forward.

Mary Watson
Labour Councillor for Whalley Range
 

22 Nov 2010 DC to Cllr Mary Watson
22/11/2010 17:04
To: <wrtrees@gmail.com>
cc: <cllr.m.watson@manchester.gov.uk>, <contact@manchester.gov.uk>
Subject: TREE FELLING COMPLAINT

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to register my complaint about the planned felling of 79 trees in the Whalley Range area. I, along with a number of long term residents, are disgusted and outraged by this action. We do not feel we have been adequately consulted over this and nor do we feel we have had adequate time to respond. We have only just recently noticed, by chance, a notice on some trees on Alness Road about this action. I am not even sure if some trees have already been felled. Surely information leaflets, with full explanations and rationales, should have been distributed to the community through their homes well in advance about this with
complaint rights and procedures.

I have lived in Whalley Range now for ten years at […] Manley Road […] and was primarily drawn to the area because of it's green environment. Indeed, it is still a driver for many people who want to escape the concrete aspects of the city. Myself and others want that to be sustained, not diminished. Also, we are very concerned about the very negative effect and consequence of the felling on the wild animal eco system the removal of these trees will have, which is not easily solved by planting very young trees as replacements, which often fail and take a long time to mature. These earmarked trees have taken a long time to mature and have a long life ahead of them. It would be impossible to reverse such a decision and would massively alter the area in many ways. If the supposed problem is road maintenance then surely another more minor solution can be found.

I ,and other residents, would appreciate if the felling action was stopped immediately and other solutions were found. I look forward to hearing your response and thanks, in advance, for considering this.

Best regards,

[DC]


24 Nov 2010 Cllr Mary Watson to DC
Dear [DC],

Thank you for contacting me about the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan. As the Plan says,

'The purpose of this plan is to retain the character of Whalley Range as a tree-lined area both now and in the future.

Whalley Range is a distinctive area of the City with a high proportion of Victorian and Edwardian properties. A large part of Whalley Range is a Conservation Area. One of the features that makes Whalley Range special is the extensive tree canopy – many of which were planted when the area was developed.

This plan recognises the value of trees to Whalley Range’s community. It proposes a way in which the tree stock can be managed so as to retain the tree canopy whilst reducing some of the negative impact of trees to the ward’s environment. The plan covers a five year programme which is the first phase of a twenty year management plan. This phased approach means that only between 2-5% of the over mature trees in the ward are removed each year and this will ensure that there is never a point of complete failure of the tree stock in future decades. Replacements will be at least 2.5 metres tall and of not less than 12 cm girth and we will ensure that varieties will be chosen that will not be over-sized or have problems of honeydew or epicormic growth.

Whalley Range is unique and this requires a bespoke approach to tree management. What differentiates this plan from our citywide approach is that we will be taking a long term, proactive approach to the replacement of trees that are either in a rapid state of decline or those which are too large and unsuitable for their current location. Overall our strategic approach is incremental and sensitive to local needs.

The Plan is not about simply felling street trees but about trying to manage our trees so that the area continues to have street trees in the long term. 38 new trees will replace the 19 that are felled this year. The Plan was discussed in September 2009 at a Whalley Range Ward Coordination meeting and subsequently was publicised locally. I am sorry that you did not receive any of this material.

From your email, it appears that your concern is that the plan will not sustain the character of parts of Whalley Range that have mature and over-mature street trees.. However, there is no doubting that the number of complaints that are received about the effect of our overmature trees is quite high - particularly the epicormic growth and restriction of pavement width problems. The Plan is an attempt, therefore, to deal with those local needs as well as ensuring that we have a healthy population of trees going into the future and are not faced with the loss of many trees at the same time.

We are also lucky in parts of Whalley Range that many of our trees are actually in our gardens and this contributes to our area. The Council are also in the process of planting trees in streets that have never had the benefit of them and have been doing this for several years. The difference is that the trees being planted now are species similar to the older trees but more suited to an urban area in that they do not present the problems of the trees planted 100+ years ago. The Tree Plan is not perfect but does attempt to make sure that the leafy character of our area continues into the future.

I don't know if you are a member of the newly constituted Whalley Range Tree Group that is meeting weekly but I know that that Group is trying to work with the Council on the detailed implementation of the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan both in terms of the felling of 19 trees and the planting of 38 replacement trees in year 2 of the Plan. I think that is the way forward.

Mary Watson
Labour Councillor for Whalley Range



25 Nov Dave Davidson (MCC Green Space Manager) to DC
From: Dave Davidson <d.davidson@manchester.gov.uk>
To: [DC]
Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:35:18 +0000
Subject: Whalley Range tree strategy

Dear [DC],

Thank you for your recent contact regarding the Whalley Range street tree strategy, firstly can I express the City Councils aim and objective is to retain the character of Whalley Range as a tree lined area both now and in the future.

The strategy recognises the value of trees to Whalley Ranges community, It proposes a way in which the tree stock can be managed so as to retain the tree canopy whilst reducing some of the negative impact of trees to the wards environment. The nature of the programme is to carefully manage the phased removal and replacement of these trees over the next twenty plus years to ensure that the visual and environmental impact on each road effected by this necessary process is minimised, allowing a phased removal/replacement plan for each road therefore maintaining a tree canopy cover along each road effected.

This phased approach means that only 2.5% of the mature street trees in the ward are removed each year, this will ensure we don't get to a point of complete failure of the tree stock in decade to come.

It is inevitable that trees as they get older and decline will need to be replaced and managed safety and that some canopy will be lost during this transition period.

I hope this answers the points raised and clarifies the City Councils continued commitment to the future care and development of the street trees within the Whalley Range ward

Regards

David

David Davidson
Green Space Manager
Longley Lane Depot
M22 4RQ



25 Nov DC to Dave Davidson

25 Nov
Dear Mr Davidson,
Thanks for your prompt and informative reply, which does help explain the Whalley Range street tree strategy from the Council more. I am also pleased that you, or your colleagues, are meeting with Rionne Avis soon, who represents our interests and views as a group in Whalley Range (i have cc'd her in). I have also heard from Mary Watson, the councillor for the area, which I appreciate.

I would like to make four key points. First, I still think the democratic point about local community consultation has been overlooked as residents in the area have not fully participated in the construction of such a significant strategy nor been informed about deadlines and implementation. Second, I am not convinced about the scientific basis of the tree felling selection as many that I understand as earmarked are not diseased but simply mature. Third, the replacement strategy is often a very poor substitute as the trees are too young. Fourth, the impact on the wild animal ecology in the area, which is important for many of the residents, has not even been mentioned never mind explored in any systematic way.

I do hope a meaningful dialogue can be developed around the Whalley Range street tree strategy which is mutually satisfactory.

Sincerely,

[DC]

22 Nov PN to Cllrs
22/11/2010 13:09
To: <cllr.f.bhatti@manchester.gov.uk>, "'Councillor John BF Grant'" <Cllr.J.Grant@manchester.gov.uk>, <cllr.m.watson@manchester.gov.uk>
Subject: Trees in Whalley Range

Dear Faraz, John and Mary,

I'm writing to you all is this is a non party political issue, and it concerns all residents of the Range.

You'll be aware of the horror and consternation in the area concerning the illogical and inappropriate proposals of the council regarding felling so many trees in Whaley Range. Having looked at the Council's tree 'strategy' (I use the term lightly as I regularly help organisations develop strategy and it certainly doesn't look like one to me) and I can only imagine that this has been thought up by someone who doesn't realise that the trees are an integral part of the history and culture of the area, not least the appeal.

The strategy claims to be incremental and sensitive, but I certainly don't perceive that in any way shape or form. As for communication to local stakeholders, well, I haven't seen anything at all!

I'd appreciate your responses with confirmation of your viewpoint on this topic, and reassurance that you're loudly bending the ear of the horticulturalists to think again. As council budgets need to be cut, here's a wonderful way to save a tidy sum that would be paid out to the tree surgeons. Happy electorate, happy accountants.

Kind regards, [PN]


24 Nov Cllr Mary Watson to PN
From: Councillor Mary Rose Watson [mailto:cllr.m.watson@manchester.gov.uk]
Sent: 24 November 2010 15:11
To: [PN]
Cc: cllr.f.bhatti@manchester.gov.uk; 'Councillor John BF Grant'
Subject: Re: Trees in Whalley Range

Dear [PN],

Thank you for contacting me about this. I am attaching a copy of the Whalley Range Tree Plan for you. As you will see it is not about simply felling street trees but about trying to manage our trees so that the area continues to have street trees in the long term. 38 new trees will replace the 19 that are felled this year. The Plan was discussed in September 2009 at a Whalley Range Ward Coordination meeting and subsequently was publicised locally. I am sorry that you did not receive any of this material.

We are lucky in parts of Whalley Range that many of our trees are actually in our gardens and this contributes to the whole feel of the area. The Council are in the process of planting trees in roads that have never had the benefit of them and have been doing this for several years. The difference is that the trees being planted now are species similar to the older trees but more suited to an urban area in that they do not present the problems of the trees planted 100+ years ago. The Tree Plan is not perfect but does attempt to make sure that the leafy character of our area continues into the future.

I don't know if you are a member of the newly constituted Whalley Range Tree Group that is meeting weekly but I know that that Group is trying to work with the Council on the detailed implementation of the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan. I think that is the way forward. The email contact for the Group is wrtrees@gmail.com

Mary Watson
Labour Councillor for Whalley Range



24 Nov PN to Cllr Mary Watson
Hi Mary,
Thanks for coming back to me - something that the other councillors haven't yet got around to, which is very disappointing.
I understand the points you're making, and have indeed joined the Whalley Range Tree Group. To be frank, I don't see the relevance of the trees in resident's gardens, as these are largely immature compared to the large trees street side.
I don't accept the findings of the the report, insofar as there seems to be little sensible identification of the trees to be removed - and the tree canopy is most definitely not being maintained by these proposals. Whilst I don't know the impact on College Road, I can see that on Dudley Road, we will be losing three of the trees directly outside my home in the next two years. I don't understand how in anyone's view that can be justified as a sensitive approach to tree management.
So I do agree that the plan is far from perfect - but would go further and say that it is poorly conceived, and proposed execution lacks contemporary sensitivity and long term thinking.
We're both living in a conservation area, and I thought that part of your responsibility as councillors for Whalley Range was to protect that? So, I do support the tree groups work, but I'd like to think that our elected representatives are canvassing opinion and representing their electorate, friends and neighbours as well.
Kind regards,
[PN]


26 Nov Cllr John Grant to PN
From: Councillor John BF Grant [mailto:Cllr.J.Grant@manchester.gov.uk]
Sent: 26 November 2010 09:21
To: [PN]
Subject: Re: Trees in Whalley Range
thank you [PN]. i am surprised as a chartered psychologist that you use such language and appear not to have all the facts in your hands. 10 years ago i started to press the council for a tree management strategy in whalley range because i was getting increasing numbers of residents complaining about damage to pavements, drains and foundations. over the last 30 years street trees and trees in alexandra park have not been properly managed. the trees in whalley range are such an important element in the character of the area that we would be irresponsible not to look after them and to ensure that the next generation does not turn round and blame us for allowing the area to deteriorate in this respect. all ward councillors supported this approach and this is the first area in manchester where a strategy like this has been put in place. what we did recognise was that it would be potentially disatrous for the houses in the area if we waited until all the trees in any one road needed to be replaced because removing large numbers in any one road woulf have a dramatic impact on water in the soil, bearing in mind the ammout that is sucked out by these big trees at the moment.
i am not a tree specialist to be able to asses their health etc and rely on the officers employed by the council. i have however learnt from them when they have shown me examples of the ways trees are deteriorating and becoming potentially dangerous. street trees unlike those in private property are thye responsibilty of the council and it empoyes qualified staff to manage them, maybe too few has been the problem over 30 years. thier specialist assessment is that about half the trees in the area are over mature and coming to the end of their life. to wait til all need to be replaced at once would be disastrous so they have embarked on a replacement programme which will see the total number of trees increase. replaccements will all be tall trees not small street trees. it is hoped that as it is only 1 or 2 trees per road per year that the impact will be mitigated especially as we see the new trees take root as replacements. this has delighted many local people perhaps in equal measure to those like you who are passionately agin the process. sadly the council is not able to keep everyone happy despite the tiome officers have spent with local people expalining and listening.
i am watching and listening to the dialogue with interest.

John

Cllr John Grant
Manchester LibDem Spokesman on Adult Services
Liberal Democrat Councillor for Whalley Range

23 Nov 2010 JG to Cllr Mary Watson
23/11/2010 06:42
To: cllr.m.watson@manchester.gov.uk
Subject: Suspension of Whalley Range Tree Felling.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to register my complaint about the planned felling of 79 trees in the Whalley Range area. I, along with a number of long term residents, are disgusted and outraged by this action. We do not feel we have been adequately consulted over this and nor do we feel we have had adequate time to respond. We have only just recently noticed, by chance, a notice on some trees on Alness Road about this action. I am not even sure if some trees have already been felled. Surely information leaflets, with full explanations and rationales, should have been distributed to the community through their homes well in advance about this with complaint rights and procedures.

I have lived in Whalley Range now for ten years […] and was primarily drawn to the area because of it's green environment. Indeed, it is still a driver for many people who want to escape the concrete aspects of the city. Myself and others want that to be sustained, not diminished. Also, we are very concerned about the very negative effect and consequence of the felling on the wild animal eco system the removal of these trees will have, which is not easily solved by planting very young trees as replacements, which often fail and take a long time to mature. These earmarked trees have taken a long time to mature some are over 200 years old and have a long life ahead of them. These are NOT diseased trees. It would be impossible to reverse such a decision and would massively alter the area in many ways. If the supposed problem is road maintenance then surely another more minor solution can be found.

I ,and other residents, would appreciate if the felling action was stopped immediately and other solutions were found. I look forward to hearing your response and thanks, in advance, for considering this.

[JG]


24 Nov 2010 Cllr Mary Watson to JG
Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for contacting me about the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan. As the Plan says,
'The purpose of this plan is to retain the character of Whalley Range as a tree-lined area both now and in the future.

Whalley Range is a distinctive area of the City with a high proportion of Victorian and Edwardian properties. A large part of Whalley Range is a Conservation Area. One of the features that makes Whalley Range special is the extensive tree canopy – many of which were planted when the area was developed.

This plan recognises the value of trees to Whalley Range’s community. It proposes a way in which the tree stock can be managed so as to retain the tree canopy whilst reducing some of the negative impact of trees to the ward’s environment. The plan covers a five year programme which is the first phase of a twenty year management plan. This phased approach means that only between 2-5% of the over mature trees in the ward are removed each year and this will ensure that there is never a point of complete failure of the tree stock in future decades. Replacements will be at least 2.5 metres tall and of not less than 12 cm girth and we will ensure that varieties will be chosen that will not be over-sized or have problems of honeydew or epicormic growth.
Whalley Range is unique and this requires a bespoke approach to tree management. What differentiates this plan from our citywide approach is that we will be taking a long term, proactive approach to the replacement of trees that are either in a rapid state of decline or those which are too large and unsuitable for their current location. Overall our strategic approach is incremental and sensitive to local needs.

The Plan is not about simply felling street trees but about trying to manage our trees so that the area continues to have street trees in the long term. 38 new trees will replace the 19 that are felled this year. The Plan was discussed in September 2009 at a Whalley Range Ward Coordination meeting and subsequently was publicised locally. I am sorry that you did not receive any of this material.
From your email, it appears that your concern is that the plan will not sustain the character of parts of Whalley Range that have mature and over-mature street trees.. However, there is no doubting that the number of complaints that are received about the effect of our overmature trees is quite high - particularly the epicormic growth and restriction of pavement width problems. The Plan is an attempt, therefore, to deal with those local needs as well as ensuring that we have a healthy population of trees going into the future and are not faced with the loss of many trees at the same time.

We are also lucky in parts of Whalley Range that many of our trees are actually in our gardens and this contributes to our area. The Council are also in the process of planting trees in streets that have never had the benefit of them and have been doing this for several years. The difference is that the trees being planted now are species similar to the older trees but more suited to an urban area in that they do not present the problems of the trees planted 100+ years ago. The Tree Plan is not perfect but does attempt to make sure that the leafy character of our area continues into the future.

I don't know if you are a member of the newly constituted Whalley Range Tree Group that is meeting weekly but I know that that Group is trying to work with the Council on the detailed implementation of the Whalley Range Tree Management Plan both in terms of the felling of 19 trees and the planting of 38 replacement trees in year 2 of the Plan. I think that is the way forward.

Mary Watson
Labour Councillor for Whalley Range
 

30 Nov S&FH to Cllr Mary Watson
to cllr.m.watson Nov 30
Dear Mary,
As residents of Deeping Avenue, Whalley Rage we are writing to express our deep sense of anger at the apparent decision by Manchester City Council to remove a large number of trees from the Whalley Range area, starting this month. We have two major issues to raise here, the first of which concerns the lack of consultation on this issue. Neither ourselves nor any of our neighbours had heard of these plans until a concerned resident recently placed signs on trees. This is unacceptable and flies in the face of your party’s promise to deepen levels of local consultation and democracy. Moreover, all of the local residents we have spoken to are strongly opposed to the move, which brings us to our second and main concern.
The proposed removal of so many mature trees from Whalley Range runs directly counter to this area’s particular history and character, which is itself recognised in the Range’s status as a conservation area. To cite the Council’s own web pages on this “Those planted in the gardens and pavements of the Whalley Range conservation area have matured and they make a significant contribution to the character of the area, providing an interesting interplay with the brick and stone buildings”. We agree entirely. It is the trees and the rich canopy that they provide that define Whalley Range and help make living here a special experience. It is something that we and our children greatly appreciate on a daily basis and which is also the envy of residents in neighbouring areas, from Chorlton to Old Trafford. The argument that these majestic and mature trees can be replaced by new ones without any serious damage being done flies in the face of the evidence: you only have to walk the length of Russell Road and compare the bricks-and-tarmac experience east of Dudley Road, with its paltry new trees, to the wonderful experience of walking down the rest of the Russell road beside and beneath the fully mature trees that define the area.
The Council website also stresses that “All trees in conservation areas are protected by legislation”. On what grounds is the Council shedding its duty without any consultation or serious debate? How can such a short-sighted approach be taken in an age where issues of environmental protection and social wellbeing are so prominent in public debates?
We look forward to your response and also to being included in any further consultations on this issue. Meanwhile, we hope and request that you will offer the strongest possible opposition to these plans and do all within your power to keep Whalley Range special, in keeping with its unique history and special status as a conservation area.
Yours sincerely,
[S & FH]
 

3 Dec RA to Cllr Mary Watson
[RA] <wrtrees@gmail.com>
03/12/2010 23:25
Subject: Whalley Range Tree Group
Dear Councillor,

there has been a lot of misleading comments and reporting about the Whalley Range Tree Group and I thought it worth writing to clarify how the group has been set up and the main concerns being expressed by the Whalley Range residents who have contacted the group.

The Group was set up spontaneously by interested residents in order to provide a forum for sharing the Council Tree Management Plan documents to other interested residents and also to provide a forum for residents to exchange and share views.

The majority of mails received from residents suggest that there is support for a Tree Management Plan and considerable positive feedback on the Council replanting programme. The main concerns centre around the detail of the plan as follows:

1) When questioned, the Council were unable to advise whether the current expected useful life of the Whalley Range Tree Stock is 20, 40 or 60 years. Residents are keen to understand therefore the basis for the 20 year time-frame particularly given the significant impact an alternative time-frame could have on the rate of felling.

2) A number of trees have been identified for felling due to pavement damage. The Manchester Tree Strategy makes it clear that pavement damage is a maintenance issue and it is difficult to reconcile this with the inclusion of trees for this reason in the Tree Management Plan. The majority of residents are very keen that all options are exhausted for addressing the issues presented and that felling is seen as an option of last resort.

3) The Council has provided additional survey details for the 2010 planned fellings. The majority of trees have been identified as Age - Mature, Condition - Fair, Projected Safe Useful Life Expectancy - 20 years. Residents are keen to get survey details for the Yr 3 to 5 planned fellings and also to understand better the rationale for selecting 473 trees for felling over the 20 year plan.

Would welcome the opportunity to discuss the plan and resident's specific concerns in more detail.

Best regards,

[RA]



Dec 7 Cllr Mary Watson to RA
Dear[RA],

I am happy to meet with you to discuss your specific concerns about our trees.

Mary Watson
Labour Councillor for Whalley Range

From a discussion with Dave Davidson 11 December 2010:
Dave Davidson is an arborologist (tree expert) working for the Council

The felling has been delayed because of the campaign's publicising local concern and engaging in discussion. That means Nov/Dec felling is now planned for January.

As has been reported elsewhere, the council will (if engaged in time) re-consider individual trees where there is evidence that age/size is not a significant problem. The arborologist is convinced the plan is necessary because of the decline of the older trees witnessed over recent years. He sees the age of the mature tree stock as both its attraction and its biggest problem. In addition to physical die-back in the crown of the older trees, damage to pavements by roots that cannot be cut (for the tree's sake) have got to the point where they cannot be levelled and repaired fully.

It's worth saying that he doesn't consider either aphids or epicormic growth to be reasons for felling any tree. (The inclusion of these points in the literature is presumably intended to add to the list of benefits arising from the plan, rather than to add weight to the case for the felling programme.)

The plan is set out as part of a longer-term strategy. The arborologist is convinced the 20 year time-line is realistic because of the observed rate of decline (see below). It may be possible to extend the timeline marginally as these things aren't completely predictable. But equally, it may be necessary to condense it if some of the trees begin a more accelerated decline.

He accepts that despite efforts to publicise the plan in local ward newsletters and at local events, there appears to be a widespread perception that it hasn't fallen on well-prepared ground. There is a loss of trust felt.

The rate of decline, it is argued, has been observed over the last few years. The usual 5-year cycle of tree-management work has had to be condensed into a yearly cycle for WR. This has been found in the course of normal work and it is estimated that if management of the tree stock had been left to continue on the previous course (without felling), there were likely to be many major trees gone in 20 years and no replacement plan.

The arborologist said the cost of felling each large tree would be ~£600 and the cost of replanting with a 16cm girth 2m high young tree would be about ~£250 (?I think, from memory, I need to check this and will edit if necessary). For those who are not familiar with cm, the newly planted trees are about 2” diameter and about 6’6” tall.

The replanting ratio is given in some of the plan documents. Sometimes this is greater than 1:1 but is not averaging much more.

The preference is to replant in existing or close to existing locations - they can't dig close to an existing tree while it's there so replanting is planned to immediately follow felling.

Inevitably, there will be a period of reduction in canopy while young trees are yet to gain size, but the phased plan is intended to minimise the impact in any one year.

The proposed replacement lime species will support the same level of insect life as the lime species they replace.

There are funds currently allocated to carry out the plan. There are no funds available for increased numbers of replacement trees (even if all residents wanted them). More trees would need more funding sources. There is also the question of whether existing funding for planned replacements is really secure over the period of the plan - given the financial climate.

There are comments that could be made in response to this information. But for now, I'm just posting what I understand to be what Dave said.

Ben2