TREE-MENDOUS?
VERDICT ON DERBY’S URBAN FOREST AS IT OPENS IN CITY CENTRE
A NEW urban forest in Derby city centre was officially opened at the weekend, but the controversial project, which the city council says raises awareness of climate change and provides a pleasant space for people to relax, has its detractors as well as its supporters.
Located on the Market Place, it is thought the scheme will cost around £163,000, with council chiefs hoping it will bring increased footfall.
It will be able to provide outdoor dining space for 100 people, as well as hosting entertainment acts.
Some have said the cost is too high for what has been produced, while others say its a good use of taxpayers’ money.
Annie Wyville, 65, a retired vegetarian cook and psychiatric and occupational therapist, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic, what a great idea. It’s good that it’s trying to educate people and the smell it creates is lovely. I don’t think it’s a waste of money, it’s very refreshing.”
Her partner, Mike Gosnal, 69, a retired casino manager who has three allotments, said: “It’s a pity it can’t be permanent because it looks so brilliant.”
However, Wendy Sharman, 55, a carer, was more sceptical. She said: “I’m a bit underwhelmed. It’s here, but not for long enough, a permanent fixture would have been a lot better. I also thought it would be bigger. It might look completely different at night.”
Her partner for 15 years, Gary Clive, 57, a receptionist at Genting Casino, also in the city centre, added: “They’re spending ten grand a month on the scaffolding outside the Council House. I don’t think money seems to be a problem for them, they’re quite free with it at the moment. But it’s a good idea.” Councillor Jerry Pearce, cabinet member for Streetpride,
Leisure and Public Spaces ,said: “The Urban Forest will bring a whole range of benefits to our city. In the short term, it will boost visitors to our city centre in much the same way that our Market Place offer did last summer. Longer-term, it will support the recovery of our economy and support our ambitious Green City targets. Over the course of their lives, the 300 new trees will bring economic benefits to the city, bigger than this initial investment.”