NO trees in Penarth will be felled without consultation from this year, the council has confirmed.

Dave Knevett, the Vale's operational manager for leisure was speaking at the first public meeting of Penarth's tree forum group last week.

Mr Knevett, operational manager for leisure at the Vale of Glamorgan Council spoke about the council’s position and responsibilities confirming the Vale’s commitment to maintaining trees in the urban environment.

He confirmed that no street trees will be felled without prior discussion with the civic society.

He assured the meeting that no tree was ever removed unnecessarily and that all work was undertaken by independent professionals.

He went on to say that he understood the issue was a very emotive one and that some works such as pollarding could appear harsh.

Mr Knevett welcomed ongoing input from the tree forum.

The tree forum was set up following a council meeting last year where trees were raised as a major issue of concern.

It has since met regularly and is working with the Vale of Glamorgan Council on a long term sustainable tree strategy for the town.

After the introduction, the meeting broke up into smaller groups which were each overseen by a tree forum member.

The main issues raised were the protection of existing street trees and the replacement of those that have been felled, the need to identify public spaces where new trees could be planted and the possibility of establishing community planting projects that could involve children and local communities.

There was also concern expressed at the possible threat posed by new developments to established trees.

Anne Evans, spokeswoman for the Penarth Civic Society, said: "We know that our members are very concerned about maintaining the existing tree cover in the town, particularly in our tree lined streets.

"We are delighted to be able to work with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to take this forward."

Members of the tree forum said they were "very pleased" with the high level of interest and engagement in the meeting and will be holding another public meeting in six months time.