Tree loss a crime against nature PHOTO

READERS’ OF THE WEEK

It was good to see the article and letter in the Gazette which drew attention to the proposed expansion of the Wincheap park and ride and the destruction this will cause to the special riverside habitat.

Such places should be cherished, not destroyed. If it goes ahead 127 trees will be felled. These have been referred to as being of “low quality”, which is quite incredible when all trees are valuable in maintaining good air quality and reducing noise and traffic pollution, and considering the vital part they play in reducing the risk of flooding, an important point one would think. Thirty five trees are to be retained or “partially retained”.

There is a group of large, mature poplar and ash which I hope are among the retained. If these were felled it would be a crime against nature. The loss of the so-called rough meadow which extends along the river bank must surely increase the risk of flooding further downstream in Canterbury. Once this area has been covered in Tarmac it will be gone forever and would be another depressing example of piecemeal destruction to an area of natural beauty, so could I urge as many readers as possible to send in objections to the proposal to Canterbury City Council’s planning department by February 19. One more point, are the extra parking spaces even necessary? I walk by three or four times a week and, except in the run up to Christmas, there are always empty spaces.