Formby Chapel Lane Trees update

Formby Chapel Lane Trees update

Sefton Council has agreed to let Formby Parish Council carry out pruning works on two dangerous trees set to be removed in Formby.

Last month Sefton Council wrote to the Parish Council asking for them to agree to a number of conditions that could halt the removal works taking place.

Most of these conditions have now been met regarding the two horse chestnut trees situated outside Cassidy’s and Boots in the village.

Despite an independent report carried out for the Parish Council highlighting how both trees are diseased with bleeding canker and the usual way of dealing with this is by felling the trees, the trees will remain for the time being.

At their own cost, the Parish Council is now planning pruning works in the hope of saving the two trees. Sefton Council will continue to monitor the situation of the two trees as the Council has an ongoing duty as a Highway Authority to ensure that the highway is safe.

Sefton Council had scheduled to remove the two diseased horse chestnuts due to the significant health and safety risk these dying trees pose and before they become structurally unstable.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “While we strongly believe both trees pose too much of a risk giving the impending winter weather, we earmarked them to be removed for the safety of our communities.

“However, after ongoing discussions with Formby Parish Council, they have agreed to a number of conditions where they will carry out maintenance work to mitigate the immediate risk and try and save the trees.

“Our priority is and always will be the safety of residents and visitors to Formby and we will continue to monitor this situation.”