Safety fears force council to cut down 26 park trees

Almost 30 trees at a Bridge of Allan park are set to be felled due to safety concerns.

Stirling Council have earmarked 24 Cypress trees and two maple trees for removal from Memorial Park in Henderson Street due to being in poor health and shedding branches.

The removal has now been opened to contractors and Bridge of Allan Community Council are hoping that the work will be complete by the end of September.

Stirling Council’s Environment and Housing Convenor, Jim Thomson said:“We are fully committed to making sure that Memorial Park continues to be a place enjoyed by the local community and visitors for years to come.

“As part of routine checks, council officers identified twenty four Cypress trees for removal due to poor health. In addition, two Maple trees have been classed as poor specimens which are at risk of shedding large branches on to the nearby pavement.

“After careful consideration, removal of the maple trees has been found to be the only way to eradicate this risk.

“In consultation with Friends of Bridge of Allan, we have identified a list of trees which will be planted as replacements. Planting is planned to begin towards the end of this year.”

Bridge of Allan Community Council believe that it is vital the trees are replaced, saying:“I’m sure many people will be aghast at the number of trees which are due to come down so it’s important to say that the trees will be replaced with other non-native species by the Park Steering Group.”