Trees being felled “on council land” have provoked questions about how woodlands are protected all over Bolton . Bolton Council has the power to put Tree Preservation Orders in place on trees around the borough that it decides are in need of protection. But a recent town hall meeting heard how no clear policies are in place for situations when the trees are on council land that is then leased to another person or organisation.
Cllr Roger Hayes, of Smithills, said: “Not long ago I was made aware that several council owned trees on council owned land had been felled, apparently merely to improve the view of the inhabitants of a neighbouring property. “On raising this with the appropriate department the answer I got was that as the land was leased to a football club it was down to the football club to take any action.” The question was put at Bolton Town Hall (Image: Newsquest) Tree Preservation Orders can be made by councils all over the country to protect trees, groups of trees or woodlands from being cut down or damaged.
In his example, Cllr Hayes said that he argued at the time that people living nearby would regard them as council owned trees and that therefore the authority should treat them as such. Addressing a full meeting of Bolton Council, Cllr Hayes asked for clarity on what the policy is on Tree Preservation Orders for land owned by the property that has been leased out. He also asked who in this situation would be responsible for legal action if unauthori.