Fears over replanting of ‘ iconic’ trees
WORRIED South Side residents are calling for reassurance that “iconic” trees will be replanted after essential works are carried out.
Around 30 cherry blossom trees are set for the chop at Bellahouston Park to make way for Scottish Water to make improvements to water infrastructure.
Scottish Water has confirmed that the trees will be replanted and “additional trees will be planted” however residents are still worried about the impact this will have on the park surroundings.
Resident Stuart Anderson said: “Surely there must be an alternative, as removing these trees will have a huge visual impact on the landscape of the park.
“Additionally, biodiversity will be impacted, and although planting three for every one removed may compensate this, it will take at least 20 years before the trees reach maturity.”
Another resident who asked not to be named, said: “I think the water board should compensate Bellahouston Park, not take the trees away. It’s just not right. Surely they could plant them somewhere else?
“They have also been digging up the park where the concerts are held. It’s just a state.”
A Scottish Water spokesman said: “Scottish Water and its alliance partner Caledonia Water Alliance ( CWA) are carrying out preparatory work in south west Glasgow ahead of planned major investment in improvements to our water infrastructure and service to customers.
“This will include work in Bellahouston Park which will, due to the location of the work and existing services, require the removal of some trees over a period of about three to four weeks.
“We have informed the community that we have agreed with Glasgow City Council to replace the trees that have to remove and that we will plant a small number of additional trees in the area.
“We will continue to keep the community informed of our plans in advance of this work.”
A spokesman for the council said: “We agreed with Scottish Water that a number of trees in the park could be brought down to help progress improvements to their infrastructure.
“This agreement should ultimately lead to an increase in the number of trees in the park.”