Trees 'pay' (From Penarth Times)

Trees 'pay'

AN OPPORTUNITY to express a viewpoint through your letters column on the subject of trees would be much appreciated.

Lack of maintenance on vandalised/storm-damaged trees in Baron and Dyserth Roads prompted my communication by telephone and letter with the Vale council as early as July 2003, and later with our local councillor.

Receiving no response, I wrote again in mid-November 2003 and, in desperation, called in person on our local councillor. On this occasion, I was told that the matter had been raised at council and that there was no money to replace the damaged trees as priority had to be given to social services and education.

Remembering the amount of council tax we all have to find, and with due respect to these vital services, I would offer the maxim 'Man does not live by bread alone'. Who can fail to be cheered by the sight of trees coming into blossom and leaf in the spring after a long winter? The environment in which we live should surely count for something.

Further, I wonder how many replacement trees might be purchased with the money wasted on the aborted predestrianised project in Penarth town centre.

Name and address

supplied.