Liberal Democrats welcome Norwich Tree Strategy

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 11th Oct 2006

Councillor Judith Lubbock, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Development and Sustainability has welcomed Norwich City Council's new Tree Strategy, initiated by the Liberal Democrats, which provides a framework for the management of all trees within the city.

"The Liberal Democrat administration (prior to May this year) was greatly concerned by the absence of regular tree maintenance and general neglect of trees in the City over the previous 10 years," she said. "We were keen that money and resources should be found to redress the situation so a Tree Strategy Committee was formed in June 2005 to prioritise this work. Although it has taken over a year for it to come to fruition the consultation has been very valuable and as a Liberal Democrat initiative we are pleased to see the end result and endorse the Tree Strategy as a vision for the future.

"Trees make a significant contribution to biodiversity and play their part in absorbing carbon emissions as well as aesthetically enhancing the streets. We must ensure that we leave this wonderful legacy of trees for future generations."

For over 10 years, prior to 2003 the maintenance of the City's trees had been neglected with no money being allocated from the council's budget to plant trees. With this strategy and the accompanying action plans the Council can build on the improved situation over the last few years and establish a regular programme of maintenance."

Councillor Carl Mayhew, newly elected Liberal Democrat Councillor for Mile Cross and the Liberal Democrat representative on the Tree Strategy committee, commented " This winter 450 trees will be planted including a major replanting in Sloughbottom Park in Mile Cross where over 100 tress are to be replaced.

"One of the key objectives of the strategy is to inform and involve local people and this I very much welcome. Friends Groups and other environmental groups will, I am sure be glad of any opportunity to get involved with the care and planting of trees in their area."