Decision details

To consider a request for additional funding to carry out tree works at the Cobtree Manor Park.

That an additional sum of £6,000 be included in the estimates for the current financial year to allow extra tree works to be carried out at the Cobtree Manor Park.

A tree condition survey was carried out in the Cobtree Manor Park last summer.  It identified a number of trees which are dead or badly diseased and which require attention in the short term.

The Officers have tried to absorb the additional cost within the general maintenance budget.  However, in view of the additional works being carried out generally and the higher standards of maintenance being sought following the appointment of the Park Ranger, this has not proved possible.

Three quotations for the necessary works were obtained from tree specialists with the lowest being in the following sums:

Boundary tree works  £1,200

Parkland tree works  £2,300

These figures need to be updated and it is proposed that a sum of £4,000 be made available in the current financial year to enable the work to be undertaken.

There are a number of stumps remaining from previously felled trees, as well as the stumps which will remain following the above works.  It is estimated that the stump grinding will cost in the region of between £6,000 and £8,000.  This work is not urgent, but should be undertaken to improve the appearance of the Park in general.  It is proposed to make an additional sum of £2,000 available in the current financial year to enable the work to commence and to review whether the remaining work can be undertaken when the master plan is implemented.

The alternative course of action is to not make the funding available.  This is not considered appropriate as the tree works will become urgent and the general safety of the public may be compromised.