Council's Transport chief takes decision to save Evesham tree

A century-old tree which was set to be felled as part of the Evesham High Street Enhancement project has been saved.

A petition calling for the High Street tree to remain was handed to Cllr Derek Prodger MBE, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport and Safe Environment, at a meeting with locals on Monday. It was followed this week by a report compiled by an independent tree surgeon and after reading all submissions, Cllr Prodger has opted to pull plans to remove it.

The tree was originally due to be felled to help create parking provision in the area as part of the project which aims to make the High Street more accessible and attractive to shoppers, which as a consequence will make a positive difference to local businesses and traders.

Cllr Prodger said: "It was a difficult decision as it means we may have to lose a parking space which has been detailed in the original plans for the enhancement project, however it was clear that after listening to people earlier this week and reading the petition handed to me that there was a real strength of feeling towards keeping the tree and, as an elected representative, you simply can't ignore that.

"I would like to thank Bob Bailey and indeed the rest of the community who put their case across so passionately and to Cllr John Smith OBE, the local county councillor for the area, for his time and assistance in this matter and I hope that people are pleased with the outcome.

"I would also like to stress that as part of the High Street scheme we will also be planting mature trees within the project's boundaries as we are ultimately committed to delivering an area which is attractive to shoppers, which as a consequence, will make a real positive difference to local businesses and traders."