'Give messy lime trees the chop' (From Penarth Times)

'Give messy lime trees the chop'

A PENARTH resident has spoken out in support of the Vale of Glamorgan Council's decision to carry out a major tree-pruning programme in the 'Poets Corner' area of the town.

Susan Angove, of Milton Road, has witnessed the considerable growth of the lime trees over the past 18 years, since she moved into her home.

She explained that although she likes the trees, they need to be pruned severely as they are becoming a hazard, due to their enormous size.

The old lime located outside her front garden is as high as the house, and Susan recalls it being only 20ft when they first moved in.

Many local residents are also fed up with the vast amount of sap from the trees that constantly sticks to their vehicles, and which Mrs Angove refers to as "a disgusting mess".

School secretary Susan, who lives with her husband Michael and their two children Bryony, 20, and Alex, 22, said that from May right through to September the sap clings to their three cars, as well as their caravan, which means that all their vehicles have to be washed frequently.

Mrs Angove said: "Trees have to be cut down and pollarded. Our tree is so big, it hangs right over the garage. They have to be a sensible size."

Susan said the old lime trees are a potential hazard, because in heavy winds some of their dead branches fall off, about 7ft in size.

She said the newly-pruned trees will not spoil the area, as there are still young trees there, which will remain intact.

The works, subject to weather conditions, are planned for the next few months entailing the pruning of mature trees.