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 Darryl Croft (at the back), Graham Tindall, Pedro Guertler, Cllr Martin Klute, Eleanor Wilson, Eric Sorensen (front) Olivia Andrews and Sarah McLean
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Our favourite tree? You’re going to axe it
Online votes pile up for threatened plane tree
WILDLIFE campaigners did not have to think twice when the Town Hall asked the public to name their favourite tree.
Their choice was a magnificent London plane tree – earmarked for the axe by Islington Council.
Now the council must decide whether to continue with plans to remove the imposing tree, opposite Islington Green School, to make way for the redevelopment of Packington estate or give it a reprieve.
Residents in Rheidol Terrace, off Essex Road, have started a petition to save the 70-year-old tree.
They argue that the estate redevelopment can continue without losing the tree.
Eric Sorensen, chairman of Angel Association, said: “It’s a splendid tree, a very important part of the street scene.
“Plane trees are excellent in London because they put up with London life. We should be able to change the plans. They don’t start building for several years yet.”
Graham Tindall, who lives in nearby Packington Street, has organised a petition supported by nearby businesses. He said: “The tree preservation officer said old trees protect new developments by keeping them warm. The tree absorbs CO2 – there’s a lot of 4x4s dropping kids off at the school here.
“A lot of people have been unaware that this has been going ahead through the back door. Every little helps. I urge everyone in Islington to vote for this tree because it is in peril. It worked for the tree at Highbury Corner.” The tree there, threatened by proposed changes to the gyratory traffic system, was saved after a campaign.
Neighbour Darryl Croft said of the Rheidol Terrace tree: “I look out of my window every day and it’s part of Islington’s skyline.”
Another resident, Eleanor Wilson, pointed out: “It’s visually important. It was planned to be part of the street and it’s in a conservation area.”
Councillor Martin Klute warned that people did not realise the tree was condemned. “It’s in real danger,” he said. “It’s a pleasure to have it in the neighbourhood. I would advise everybody to send an email to the council and vote for this as their favourite tree.”
A council spokesman said: “Other options were considered but, unfortunately, the loss of this tree was unavoidable.
“However, it was agreed that the tree could be felled only if a replacement mature tree is planted, and £13,000 was secured by the committee for this purpose.”
You can vote for your favourite tree at islingtonnow@islington.gov.uk
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