TIMBER! ANGER AS TREES CHOPPED

02 July 2005

A row has broken out after mature trees were chopped down to make way for the new home of Swansea's Slip Bridge. Swansea Council has been accused of environmental vandalism after the foreshore trees were felled this week.

The old bridge is about to be moved to a permanent new home on the foreshore footpath opposite the Recreation Ground. But to do it, workmen have been forced to cut down trees.New trees will be planted but people are still angry.

West Cross councillor Des Thomas says the authority has acted irresponsibly by cutting down the trees to make way for the structure.

He said today: "This is environmental vandalism."They are replacing these trees with scrap iron which will end up as a giant climbing frame."I have been investigating having tree preservation orders put on a site in West Cross, which has been earmarked as the location for the new Welsh primary school.

"I was told the council doesn't put orders on trees on its own land because it is deemed to be a responsible landlord.

"If this is an example of an authority acting responsibly, then it doesn't give me any confidence.

"These trees were irreplaceable."

The Slip Bridge is being placed into the walking and cycle route along the seafront.

Originally spanning Oystermouth Road, the bridge was moved for safety reasons more than a year ago.

When it was moved to the Recreation Ground, the intention was initially to give it a much-needed revamp and put it back in place.

But when costs began spiralling, councillors decided to incorporate the bridge into the promenade.

Contractors will use specialist lifting equipment to transfer the bridge to its new home on Sunday, July 10.

Cyclist Peter Evans, aged 42, of Blackpill, said he was shocked when he saw the trees going. He added: "There aren't enough trees in Swansea as it is. It's crazy to knock them down.''

Fay Nash, of Uplands, said: "I'm sure I can remember the trees going up to replace elm trees which were diseased. "It seems a real shame.''

A council spokeswoman said the removal of the trees had been included in the original plans approved by councillors.

She added: "The relocation has required the felling of four trees, which was essential in order to construct the base for the bridge.

"These will be replaced in suitable locations adjacent to the bridge so that there will be no net loss of trees on the promenade."