PEH oaks 'were surveyed' prior to felling

OAK trees removed to make way for the new mental health facility development were the subject of a 'full, independent survey', the Health and Social Services Department has said.

Following the signing of a letter of intent, preliminary work, including site clearance, has begun at the Oberlands site.

According to an HSSD statement, the survey recorded the condition of the trees and which ones should be spared.

'This survey categorised some trees as having fungal infection or as being of poor form and condition, whereas some were worthy of protection.'

In total, 10 oaks are to be removed as part of the project, six due to 'direct conflict' with the development and four because of their poor condition.