TREES which have stood for decades years in an historic market town are to be chopped down following the discovery of dieback.
Rushcliffe Borough Council has confirmed that a number of trees in Bingham Market Place will face the chop in January.
Dieback, a condition where a tree begins to die from the tip of its leaves or roots backwards, has been caused by a combination of the trees’ short roots and hot weather.
The condition can be caused by disease, such as ash dieback, or a poor environment.
Eight trees will be felled in total: three London Planes and 2 Limes at the western end of the Market Place, a London Plane towards the centre and two Horse Chestnuts at the eastern end.
Three smaller growing Field Maples will be retained.
According to the local authority, the trees are becoming increasingly hazardous with “roots lifting slabs, blocking drains, and causing flooding.”
They will all however be replaced by six new trees which include ornamental pears, field maples and Gingko Biloba.
But some local residents are upset about the news.
Joe Phillips, 79, Windsor Court, Bingham, said that removing the trees from the market place would have a drastic impact on the town.
“Without the trees it would make it very boring,” he said.
“It sounds like they’re working on the basis that they might get sued if someone falls over they’ll get sued.
“To be honest, I am appalled about it – it’s going to make the square look a lot less fine. They don’t take notice of us at all.”
Donna Lowe, 35, of Coltfoot Close, Bingham, works as a care assistant near the market place.
She added: “I think the council are very careful about what they do with their money so there has to be a very good reason.
“The trees will be missed, they’ve been here many, many years but if the council have said there’s no life in them I guess you’re just putting off the inevitable.”
A spokesman for Rushcliffe Borough Council added: “The Council will keep the smaller growing trees and replant six new trees that are more appropriate to the setting.
“They will be planted in specially designed tree pits to avoid a similar situation occurring in the future.”
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