WORK has now been completed on the Lombardy poplar trees in King George V park, that caused controversy across the town. Three diseased trees were felled and the remaining trees pruned.
Concern was raised during the time of pruning that Wiltshire Council had not been transparent with the work they were carrying out. A press release was released by Wiltshire Council informing residents of the pruning of the 25 trees in the park, with no mention of the felling of three diseased trees next to the skate park.
This misinformation raised alarm bells with residents and campaigners, who saved the trees from the chop last year, creating concern that too much would be taken off. There were also questions asked about the time of year in which the work was being carried out.
Work has now been completed, seeing the removal of the three diseased trees and the pruning of around 3-4 metres of the remaining trees. It has been reassured by conservation contractors that the time of year will have no impact on the future of these trees, as they are hardy enough to withstand the pruning.
