Reprieve for city park’s trees
WORK to fell trees in a popular Cardiff park – which was due to begin today – has been postponed.
There has been concern about the number of trees being felled as part of flood prevention works around Roath Brook.
Local residents say the trees should be protected and are concerned about the numbers being cut down.
Work to fell the trees was due to begin today, but has instead been postponed after Natural Resources Wales (NRW) yesterday agreed with the Welsh Government to delay the tree-felling while the scheme is discussed in more detail with Minister for Environment Hannah Blythyn.
A statement from Natural Resources Wales issued yesterday said: “The start of the planned work to remove trees on part of a new flood scheme in the Roath area of Cardiff will again be paused in order for Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government officials to hold further discussions.”
John Hogg, head of operations for South Central Wales operations at NRW, said: “This is a great part of Roath with a strong community that we want to help protect from the devastating effects of flooding.
“We have worked extensively with Cardiff council and local residents since 2012 to develop this important scheme to improve protection to 360 homes and 45 businesses in the area.
“We understand the concerns of the community. Their views have helped us shape the final design of the scheme to get a correct balance of protecting the local environment while still being able to protect those at risk of flooding.
“We will plant 120 new trees, as well as carry out much-needed conservation work to the brook to make sure the community can continue to enjoy using this area for years to come.
“We’ve agreed with the Welsh Government to delay the start of the work for a short period while we discuss the scheme in more detail with our new minister.
“We remain confident that this is the best scheme available to improve the protection to people and businesses in this area.”
It comes after NRW had delayed felling at Roath Brook Gardens and Roath Mill Gardens until after a council scrutiny meeting last Thursday.
Campaigners had also had the issue raised in the Assembly.
South Wales Central Conservative AM Andrew RT Davies had contacted Natural Resources Wales, urging them to stop the works – and on Thursday asked for the work to be paused.
But in response to a written question, Minister for Environment Hannah Blythyn previously said: “The Welsh Government remains supportive of the scheme. The community has a very high risk of flooding and has experienced a number of near-misses in recent years.
“It is unfortunate trees are being felled to allow for construction of this scheme – however, more than 120 mature trees are being replanted within Waterloo Gardens, with a further 200 saplings being planted off-site in Roath Recreation Ground.”