High Peak Borough Council says ‘no decision’ made on Chapel-en-le-Frith trees

Jo Bostin one of a number of people fighting to save the trees on Chapel Market Place but High Peak Borough Council say no decision has been made yet.Jo Bostin one of a number of people fighting to save the trees on Chapel Market Place but High Peak Borough Council say no decision has been made yet.
Jo Bostin one of a number of people fighting to save the trees on Chapel Market Place but High Peak Borough Council say no decision has been made yet.
High Peak Borough Council says investigation work is needed before any decision is made on felling two 120-year-old trees on Chapel Market Place.

Residents have shared their concerns over rumours the borough council were looking to chop down a horse chestnut and sycamore tree which date back to at least 1900.

Resident Jo Kelly said: “We have heard High Peak Borough Council is planning to chop down the trees to facilitate works on the ancient and barely-used toilets beneath.

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“These trees are part of the history of the town. I have found a picture of the Market Place from 1900 and the trees are there. Generations of people have grown up with them and they should remain.”

However, Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader and executive councillor for regeneration tourism and leisure, said: “The council is planning to carry out repairs to the toilets at Chapel Market Place and there is a possibility that the tree roots are contributing to the current condition of these amenities.

“This will not be known until some investigation work is carried out.

“Once those initial investigations have taken place, the council will be able to make a decision regarding the trees but nothing has yet been decided.

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“Should the trees need to come down, the council will work with the parish council to plant more trees in a location agreed by both authorities.”

Jo added: “We need to be keeping old trees. They provide a great habitat and biodiversity for bugs, insects and birds. You don’t get that kind of environment with new saplings.”

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