Crowdfund to save iconic trees gets public support

MELKSHAM locals have pledged their support to the idea that the town council set up a Crowdfund to raise money to replace any of the trees that may be felled in King George V playing field.

At a recent town council meeting, in response to the idea that any trees removed should be replaced with mature trees to help maintain the image of the playing field,  local man Donald Robson suggested a Crowdfund be created so that the people of Melksham  could contribute to the cause.

“A great idea,” said Pamela Hartley on the Melksham News Facebook page.

“If they start a fund to maintain the trees there now, I’d be interested,” agreed local man Keith Kirk.

However, the threat to the iconic trees has met with some disbelief on the Melksham News Facebook page. “Those trees are unique to Melksham park. They should be maintained, not destroyed,” said Vincent Anderson.

“Why are they being considered for felling? Are they a danger? They look pretty healthy,” questioned Wendy Appleford.

The iconic trees that line the playing field are facing the chop as Wiltshire Council have deemed them to be a risk to public safety after a survey identified that the trees have poor structural condition.

The town council is still awaiting the outcome of an independent report into the condition of the Lombardy poplar trees to establish exactly how many of the 25 trees need to be removed for safety reasons. If all of the trees were to be felled, it is unlikely that Wiltshire Council will replace them as there is currently no budget to do so.