Woman braves elements in vain attempt to save trees (From Leigh Journal)
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Tyldesley woman braves elements in vain attempt to save trees
12:10pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News
Irene Lummis with her granddaughter, Alice, and neighbour John Hogg before the trees were felled.
A TYLDESLEY woman stood for two hours in an icy wind in a vain attempt to prevent mature trees being felled.
On the day the Journal highlighted her plea for a stay of execution for two mature trees that stood near her home contractors, clearing trees as part of the Leigh Guided Busway project, arrived to cut them down.
Irene Lummis, of Wareing Street, told the Journal: "The man with the chainsaw was visibly upset about having to do cut the trees down, but he had obviously been instructed to do so.
"The trees have gone gone now which would have angered my late husband Pat, who was against the busway from the onset.
"But Transport for Greater Manchester have been in touch with me and offered to give me the opportunity to choose what species of trees they will replant near my house which was Pat's dream home.
"Perhaps it could be another oak tree and maybe we could have a bench in memory of Pat. I've been told the trees have had to go because they were in the way of an access footpath to a park and ride car park which will be situated off Astley Street.
A TfGM spokesman said: "TfGM representatives recently met with Mrs Lummis to discuss her concerns over the removal of two trees, near her home, as part of the building of the guided busway.
"At the meeting, TfGM agreed to plant, towards the end of works, a number of replacement trees on Wareing Street, and also involve local residents in the landscaping plans for the trees.
"Our organisation places great value on working with the community as part of the bus priority package and it is good news a resolution has been found and agreed.
"The removal of trees for the busway is strictly done as is necessary and according to the plans we have developed.
"We aim to minimise the amount of trees taken down and, in compensation, TfGM has also pledged to create community woodland, close to Higher Folds, of around 40,000 trees in an initiative supported by the Forestry Commission.
"We have also been working with local primary schools in Tyldesley providing felled timber to create amenities, such as art displays and benches, and planting fruit orchards in school gardens for educational and environmental purposes. So far, 16 schools have benefited."
