Reprieve for old trees but church stands by decision
An arborist has pulled out of chopping down 130-year-old trees in northern Southland because of community outrage.
Lumsden Tree Lovers are desperate to save Lawson cypress trees in Lumsden that date from the 1890s.
There are 14 Lawson cypress trees surrounding the Lumsden Balfour Kingston Presbyterian Church, and four were to be chopped down today and the rest on July 18.
Lumsden Balfour Kingston Presbyterian Church minister Mike Kirkby-Sing, in a statement, said that the decision to cut down the trees was not made lightly, but the current church building was no longer fit for purpose for the congregation.
‘‘The worship space lacks the flexibility required for modern use and is difficult to heat, it is disconnected from the Sunday schoolrooms and the kitchen and toilet facilities are inadequate. It also lacks ministers office or meeting space.
‘‘The trees tower over the church and keep the church in the shade much of the time, making the church difficult to heat and keep warm. Branches and debris regularly falling from the trees cause issues with maintenance and upkeep.’’
After consultation, the decision was made to build a modern, new church facility on the current site.
Kirkby-Sing confirmed yesterday afternoon that the arborist scheduled to remove the trees had pulled out.
Professional arborist advice was that the removal of only some trees, needed to make space for the new building, would destabilise the rest of the roots and cause a probability of trees dismantling, Kirkby-Sing said.
‘‘We have a responsibility for the health and safety of all those using our church building, grounds, and surrounding area. We believe that the risk is too great and that people should come first,’’ he said.
Lumsden Tree Lovers Group member Kim Spencer-McDonald, from Dipton, said the group planned to gather this morning to protest against the trees being removed.
Southland District Council councillor Robin Scott said it could not act because the trees had no heritage protection.