Uncertain future for Gloucester trees
The trees were causing damage to a wall belonging to King's School
Last updated 6th Feb 2022
Council chiefs in Gloucester say they are now working with school leaders to save two prominent conifer trees which they were stopped from chopping down.
The tall leylandii cypress trees which stand on the corner of St Mary’s Street along Gouda Way were set to be felled as they were causing damage to a wall belonging to King’s School.
One of the three has already been felled by council contractors but Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Dr Rebecca Trimnell managed to stop them from cutting the remaining trees.
And council leaders say they are working with the school to explore other options.
“I had a constructive meeting with the leader of Gloucester City Council a few days before Christmas at the site of this prominent conifer tree to discuss its future after calls had been made by King’s School for it to be felled due to damage to their wall,” Dr Trimnell said.
“I am disappointed to hear today from the leader of the City Council that a suggested option put to King’s School to rebuild the wall further inside the school’s property in order to both save the tree and also remove any potential liability from Gloucester City Council has been rejected by the school.
“I have made contact with King’s School and remain hopeful that a dialogue of compromise can happen over the coming weeks.
Council leader Richard Cook said trees are hugely valuable to our environment.
“We would never remove one unless there is a very good reason to, a decision like this would not be taken lightly.”
“As the affected wall is a retaining wall, moving it could cause further damage to the tree and the surrounding area.
“We are working with the school to look at all available options.”
A spokesperson for King’s School said they are in talks with the council.