Emergency works underway in Wooler ahead of potential scheme to remove dangerous trees

Emergency tree works have started on a woodland site in Wooler.
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Several trees at the Tory, the steeply sloping site banking on to Church Street, are thought to be in a dangerous condition.

Work started on Monday, September 28, on cutting back the ivy so the trees can be further inspected for damage.

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Longer-term maintenance works are also envisaged but Wooler Parish Council chairman Mark Mather has given assurances that trees will only be removed if there is a safety issue.

The Tory woodland lies behind the distillery construction site.The Tory woodland lies behind the distillery construction site.
The Tory woodland lies behind the distillery construction site.

He said: “There needs to be a plan put forward for what we do in the future. A number of people have contacted the parish council with concerns that we are going to clear fell the site.

"I stress that the works being done at the moment are all emergency works. Any trees being removed will be because there is a danger issue."

A planning application has been lodged for phase two.

"That is for the pruning of trees and removal of branches so they can stay,” explained Cllr Mather. “We’re not removing trees for the sake of it. If the trees which get pruned are deemed safe they will stay on the site.”

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“It will be a big decision for us to make,” said Cllr Mather.

"The site is now at a point where if it’s not done the whole site becomes very dangerous. We are not just doing this to clear fell trees, we are doing it to make sure the site is safe for everyone.

"Going forward, we’d like to work on putting a plan forward for removing dangerous trees and reopening the site. Let’s make the most of the war memorial and Tory site and its history and wildlife.”

Repairs to the war memorial area could also be carried out.

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The parish council is seeking quotes on the cost of repairing the concrete plinth around the memorial.

Members felt a thorough job was needed and were advised that an application could be made to the War Memorials Trust for financial support.

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