Quay trees face new threat


Bideford has seen protests to save its trees

Work to make a historic quayside in Devon safer is expected to mean removing trees - despite past protests.
Police had to escort workmen who felled a line of trees on Bideford Quay in December.

Now a £500,000 scheme to prevent accidents on the riverside road and pavement is being discussed - and it includes cutting down more trees.

Their roots are blamed for the crumbling state of the road, along with wear and tear.


Bideford is an historic river trading port

Thirty accidents have caused injuries to people on the quay in the past five years.

The new work will coincide with a £5m flood defence scheme, currently under construction.

Fifteen trees were removed for the flood work in December.

One protester, who had spent 10 days on the quay to protect the trees, had to be restrained by a police officer when the workmen moved in.

More than 3,000 people had signed a petition to keep the trees.




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