Trees in New Addington cut down after man complains berries could be slippery
UPSET pensioners have hit out after "beautiful trees" were hacked down following a complaint about slippery berries.
Croydon Council workers felled the three rowan trees at the Ashwood Gardens sheltered accommodation block in New Addington on February 4.
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Pensioners in Ashwood Gardens in New Addington have hit out after three trees were hacked down by Croydon Council
Susan Findlay, 72, who has lived in the supported housing for three years, said: "No-one could quite believe it when we saw what was going on.
"The beautiful trees have gone. They have been here for decades, more than 30 years, and now all that has gone to waste.
"The council worker told me the trees were being chopped down because there was a fear that one of us could fall over by slipping on the berries which had fallen from the trees but it is just rubbish.
"There are a lot of people who are upset here. We were disappointed and disgusted to see that happen.
"We have a residents' association here where we are supposed to raise concerns and make decisions democratically, but this hasn't happened here.
"I cannot believe the council has listened to just one man."
The council this week said it had received a complaint about berries causing a slip risk.
But a spokesman insisted the felling had taken place as part of "general work at the site".
He added: "A housing officer has spoken to some of the residents to reassure them."
Mrs Findlay has said the majority of people in the sheltered housing block are upset over the trees' demise.
She said: "I don't know anyone who is happy about it, apart from the person who has complained.
"I am just not sure why the council would chop down the trees on one person's word.
"As far as I can see it, the trees have gone because they were blocking one person's view and that is just not on.
"Everyone is very upset here."
17 Comments
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by CuppaTeaPlz
Sunday, February 26 2012, 12:03AM
“Or they could put a round table on top and all have tea and cakes outdoors in the summer...lovely.”
by Ivor_Shed
Saturday, February 25 2012, 7:14AM
“you could put a nice bird table on top of that stump.”
by LAFANTASTICA
Friday, February 24 2012, 10:12PM
“You may well be right.”
by tbabygib
Friday, February 24 2012, 10:10PM
“LA.
She May Not be in Good Health,
Not as lucky as you.!
Did you not give this a thought when you posted?
There is always a reason for being in these places, Think on before making Judgements!
And think yourself Really lucky that you can look after yourself and Not Have to depend on someone to make sure your alright.”
by Ivor_Shed
Friday, February 24 2012, 4:49PM
“slippery berries! - those leaves can also get slippery after rain - why not cut down all the trees in Croydon for health and safety?”
by DianaFrance
Friday, February 24 2012, 3:58PM
“Arbroriculture and Forestry are indeed professional jobs - I certainly wouldn't want any amateur chain saw-owner cutting down the tree which is a few yards from my house!
Addo1972 - lol, good one.”
by tbabygib
Friday, February 24 2012, 3:54PM
“Must have been the same group that went to "TRIM" the ferns, at my Aunts Place.!
Returning from the shops, they had Chopped to the Ground 3 of them.
When she asked why? they told her, "All rotten love" and chopped the other 2 down.”
by nicecityboy
Friday, February 24 2012, 3:22PM
“"tree management" as a profession?
That's a new one!”
by Hansie234
Friday, February 24 2012, 1:17PM
“Yeah uhuh.
This just sounds like typical anti-local government manipulation.
Why are we not hearing more indepth comments from Croydon Council? Could it be that the trees were infact half dead and are going to be replaced? That is the the more standard approach to urban tree management.
I'm sure Croydon Council get COUNTLESS complaints about berries, leaves, seeds, aphid poo etc. ALL THE TIME. But since the story doesn't read - Croydon Council have felled EVERY SINGLE STREET TREE because of berries and leaves!!!!!! - I'm sure , in this instance, there's likely to be a more boring truth behind the headline.
Don't be manipulated people!!
Believe it or not, people who go into tree management as an occupation tend to love and care for trees more than the average person.”
by croydonhippo
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 5:54PM
“when the trees were cut down were the logs left behind ?....if so i could use them for my fire !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”