42 trees to be removed from Preston New Road

Local councillors in Meols Ward are saddened after it was confirmed that major tree works are required on Preston New Road.

Nine cherry trees are either dead or in serious decline and others are suffering from ‘ash dieback’. Alongside the usual pruning operation, 42 trees need to be removed as they pose a risk to properties and the highway.

Local Lib Dem councillors have stepped in and agreed with Sefton Council that the trees will be replaced. This will be financed through a mixture of ward funds and potential grant income to the Council. The nine cherry trees will be replaced immediately with the rest replaced in stages.

Councillor John Dodd said, “This is really sad news but we accept that the safety of pedestrians and road users must be top priority.”

“We all know how iconic the trees down Preston New Road are and we are working to replace all of the affected trees – we don’t want any loss of the beauty they bring but also their important role in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help us to protect the bee population.”

“I’ll be writing to residents soon making it clear that the plan is to replace the trees. This is what our residents will expect and we are working with the Council to deliver.”

“Any residents wanting further information an contact me on mail@johndodd.co.uk”.

Damien Moore, MP for Southport, said: “Many of my constituents have written to me to express their alarm that 42 established trees lining the length of Preston New Road are to be felled.

“I share their dismay that the Labour-dominated Sefton Council’s mismanagement has once again led to important local assets being discarded. This is a simple matter of maintenance, and people rightly expect these basic things to be done properly.

“I have today written to the Council to urge them to finally take the necessary action to save Southport’s stunning natural features, and to explain to me why they didn’t act sooner to save our town’s trees, and to save hard-working taxpayers’ money.”

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We can confirm that 42 trees on Preston New Road, Southport, will need to be removed due to them having died or suffering from a serious level of decay.

“The vast majority have been affected by a condition known as ‘Ash Dieback’ which is a hugely harmful and resilient fungus that attacks and ultimately kills ash trees.

“In order to keep everyone safe Sefton Council has no choice but to remove these trees.

“The Local Authority’s Green Sefton team have submitted an application for Government funding which, if successful, will be used to replace these affected trees.

“We understand that local councillors will provide ward funding to ensure nine Cherry Blossom trees, which are included in the total number of trees affected, are replaced later this year.”