St Peter Port constables want Trinity Square tree removed
A TREE in Trinity Square is under threat, due to the damage it is causing the historic area.
The London plane tree in the southern corner of the square was planted in the late 1800s. Since then it has grown to more than 20 metres tall, but its roots and girth are causing problems.
St Peter Port constable Dennis Le Moignan said something needed to be done.
‘The Trinity Square water pump is still having problems,’ he said.
‘There is a tree root damaging the surround. It has crushed the road drain and the road is beginning to sink. The area gets flooded and the tree is part of that problem.’
He said the parish wanted the tree cut down.
‘We’ve been seeking advice from the local tree man, but I’m afraid we are hitting a brick wall. I love trees, but this one is causing damage,’ he said.
‘That tree should be removed so the road can be prepared and a smaller tree planted further in from the edge of the road.’
The tree was planted at some time around 1874.
As a London plane tree, it can grow up to 35 metres tall and live for several hundred years. It copes well with pollution and the hard-packed soils of urban landscapes.
A States of Guernsey spokesman said: ‘A number of States service areas including traffic, land management and planning are working together with the constables of St Peter Port to look at all options to keep the tree, which is causing some damage to neighbouring structures.
‘Although not protected by a Tree Protection Order, the tree is on States-owned land and makes a very significant contribution to the unique character of Trinity Square and the wider amenity of this area of St Peter Port.’
