I HAVE noted how the felling of street trees in Penarth has become an increasingly live issue. The Penarth Times has published a number of letters on this topic in recent weeks, and there is also much news and comment online, not all of which is necessarily motivated by party-political criticism of the ruling group on the Vale Council in Barry.

You allowed me to express some opinions on this theme back in July last year – allow me to branch out.

It remains my view that trees have advantages and disadvantages, even when they are not in a diseased state, which would normally justify removal. I had in mind how tree roots can damage pavements, and can cause serious damage to adjoining houses. Pavement damage is apparently caused also by vehicles being parked thereon.

I noted from an important news story in a national newspaper of April 28 this year how the City of Sheffield faces similar problems with the destruction of trees as Penarth campaigners.

Dave Dillner fought the council in court, but lost the battle. Mr Dillner was ordered by the judge, Mr Justice Gilbart, to pay £5,000 of the legal costs run up by Sheffield Council as well as his own lawyers’ bills. What a deterrent to principled objectors to council policies.

Michael O'Neill

Railway Terrace

Penarth