Islington Tribune - News: Saved... plane tree that survived bombing raid

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Islington Tribune - by ED CUMMING
Published: 21 December 2007

Council leader James Kempton by the plane

Saved… plane tree that survived bombing raid

Campaign forces rethink of Highbury Corner gyratory plans

A TREE threatened with the axe under plans for the gyratory system at Highbury Corner has been saved.
The proposal to cut down the 100-year-old plane tree sparked an outcry from residents.
Lib Dem council leader Councillor James Kempton pressed Mayor of London Ken Livingstone to save the tree.
Cllr Kempton said: “After listening to residents, I decided the only course of action was to raise this directly with the mayor.
“There’s understandably a great deal of public feeling about this tree, which even survived a devastating bombing raid during the Second World War.
“I’m glad Mr Livingstone has listened to our concerns, and that we can now get on with deciding how to improve Highbury Corner for everyone.”
Proposed improvements to the roundabout and surrounding areas are aimed at making changing between buses and trains quicker and safer for the increased number of passengers expected when the East London line is extended to Highbury and Islington station in 2011.
The proposals are subject to planning permission and funding being found.
Under a consultation exercise, views are invited from the public on three options: closure of the western side of the gyratory system, northern side closure, and minor improvements.
The consultation ends on January 14.

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